Billie Holiday, 7/4/15 - 17/7/59 (born Eleanora Fagan) was a true artist of her day and rose as a social phenomenon in the 1950s. Her soulful, unique singing voice and her ability to boldly turn any material that she confronted into her own music made her a superstar of her time. Holiday’s poignant voice is still considered to be one of the greatest jazz voices of all time.

As a young teenager, Holiday served the beginning part of her so-called “apprenticeship” by singing along with records by Bessie Smith or Louis Armstrong in after-hours jazz clubs. She quickly became an active participant in what was then one of the most vibrant jazz scenes in the country. At the age of 18, Holiday was spotted by John Hammond and cut her first record as part of a studio group led by Benny Goodman. In 1935 she recorded several songs that went on to become hits, including “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” and “Miss Brown to You”. Then, with a recording contract of her own she recorded a number of master tracks that would ultimately become an important building block of early American jazz music.

Holiday began working with Lester Young in 1936, who pegged her with her now-famous nickname of “Lady Day.” Holiday also worked with Columbia Records and the Verve label and she made her final studio recordings for the MGM label in March of 1959.

White gardenias, worn in her hair, became her trademark.

Billie Holiday, a musical legend still popular today, died an untimely death at the age of 44. Her emotive voice, innovative techniques and touching songs will forever be remembered and enjoyed.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Susan Gai Dowling (voice), Carl Dewhurst (guitar) and Lloyd Swanton (bass) will be playing a selection of Billie’s enormous repertoire, concentrating on several of her original songs eg, God Bless the Child”, “Long Gone Blues”, “Left Alone” and “Billie’s Blues”.



SOME RECENT REVIEWS FROM JOHN SHAND, SMH
“Singer Susan Gai Dowling joined the trio for four standards in the middle of the performance, and it was a joy to encounter once again the easy flair with which she breathed vitality into a song. The highlight was I Don’t Want to Cry Anymore, a ballad that Dowling could make poignant without wallowing in its sadness.”

“James Greening fed growly trombone or quicksilver streams of pocket trumpet into the mix, and Carl Dewhurst created jester-in-the-pack guitar textures, and underpinned Coleman’s funkier material, including an irrepressible Dancing in Your Head. Unforgettable.”

“Kate, from Melbourne, assembled local players I have not heard together before: pianist Mike Nock, bassist Lloyd Swanton and drummer Andrew Dickeson. One expected Nock and Dickeson to eat up such a gig with ease, but Swanton (of the Necks and The Catholics) is now rarely heard playing standards, and his astute accompaniment, his synergy with Nock on Stardust and his solo on Why Don’t You Do Right? were particular pleasures.”


This event is part of the 'Intimate Nights' series in the Sisters Blue Restaurant. It's a small room by typical music venue standards - don't expect big crowds! Think good food, good wine (and beer and cocktails of course) and great music! This is a casual night and a great opportunity to get up close with world-class musicians. Enjoy a two-course dinner with the show for $59 (see attached images) or see the show only for $25. Even if you book the show only (without the dinner), you will be seated at a table and a casual bar menu will be available on the night, so you can still order a meal or something to nibble on. And don't forget - if you're bringing some friends, just let us know so we can seat you together.

THE SCHEDULE
Doors Open - 7:00pm
Mains Served - From 7:05pm
First Set - 7:30-8:15pm
Dessert Served - From 8:20pm
Second Set - 8:45 - 9:30pm

Come along from 5:30 pm to enjoy pre-show entertainment with Jazz Daiquiri - Jazz Daiquiri are one of the smoothest , most intoxicating sounds in the Blue Mountains. Featuring the beautiful voice of Robyn Gordon, Karl Javernig on guitar and Martyn Cook on sax, trumpet and flute. Jazz Daiquiri can play anything from the coolest Latin sambas and bossa novas, swinging jazz standards or soulful blues and ballads, all professionally delivered with style & class. 5:30-7:30pm, free event. Hotel Blue, the Mountains’ own ‘House of Jazz’.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
The menu for the two-course dinner is a set menu. If you have any special dietary requirements, we will gladly make any necessary adjustments to your meal. Just remember to let us know the details of your special requirements when you make your booking as last minute changes may not be possible.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Ticket purchases are non refundable in the event of cancellation, failure to attend or for any other reason.
Tickets may be transferred to another person. If you wish to transfer your ticket to another person, please contact admin@hotelblue.com.au to advise the name of the person who will be using your ticket.