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Cyclic Journey by Marshall Gilkes
Jazz
Edward A Kliszus

Marshall Gilkes Presents: Cyclic Journey

Gilkes’s new album Cyclic Journey touches anyone who appreciates and enjoys world-class artistry and virtuosity in classical and jazz idioms. Cyclic Journey is a musical adventure where the listener can experience the sounds of a team of musicians at the top of their game. At the same time, Gilkes shares his biographical virtual journey that emerged from his creative imagination. As you listen, close your eyes, and permit yourself to be transported through his ephemeral, beautiful sonic world.

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September 5, 2023
Alexa Tarantino. Photo: Anna Yatskevich
Jazz
Edward A Kliszus

Alexa Tarantino Quartet

The Alexa Tarantino Quartet made the scene at the Birdland Jazz club. Alto saxophonist Tarantino brings the Bird back to Birdland with her smooth, mellow sound. She’s cool, relaxed, and versatile as she solos and trades with the best of them, allowing everyone to speak their own musical voices to songs in a great groove. She draws us into her world of energy, excitement, and romance. Her sound is soulful, rich, and as subtle and formidable as she commands.

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August 6, 2023
Natalie Douglas Photo credt: Lynn Redmile
Cabaret
Edward A Kliszus

Natalie Douglas

The audience was packed with Douglas’ loyal followers. As she introduced songs and told anecdotes of her mingling with the likes of Dolly Parton, Lena Horne, or Roberta Flack, people nodded and smiled in affirmation. She projects a sentimental, nostalgic, and caring persona and each song she sings creates a warm, safe, embracing space. Balancing her view of life through song is her sense of humor, a sweet smile, and joie de vivre.

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August 6, 2023
Wendy Moten at the Nashville Hall of Fame Museum. Photo from wendymoten.com
Cabaret
Edward A Kliszus

Wendy Moten at Birdland

Wendy Moten ascended to the Birdland stage with a smile and charm that lit up the room. From her first words and the comfortable swing tempo of her first song, All of Me, Moten emerged as a poised, expressive, and consummate artist. She conveyed her passionate insights with a beautiful, clear voice and through her ability to command any genre she desired.

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November 20, 2022
Cabaret
Edward A Kliszus

Tony DeSare at Birdland

Tony DeSare at Birdland introduced each song in an engaging and deeply personal way. His manner and charm in speaking were as crucial as his singing and playing. Audience members sighed when he spoke of his nine-year-old son and the romance and beauty of Paris. They nodded and smiled as he described the provenance of each musical gem.

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July 30, 2022
Eliane Elias and bassist Marc Johnson. Photo: Roy Borghouts photography
Jazz
Edward A Kliszus

Eliane Elias

Elias’ own warmth, smile, and gentle narratives of her homeland drew anticipation for the music we were about to experience. As she introduced each song, she frequently connected interesting anecdotes about the song’s setting, rhythm, composer, and lyrics. She inexorably drew the audience into the virtual world of each song, inspiring sentimental musings about the dance, beauty, charm, and romance of Brazil.

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May 18, 2022
Ann Kittredge. Photo: annkittredge.com/
Cabaret
Victoria L. Dammer

Ann Kittredge at Birdland

Chanteuse Ann Kittredge performed before a spellbound audience in her widely acclaimed show, Movie Nite, at The Birdland Theater in NYC. She sang, swayed, and danced, intoxicating her audience, guiding them on a romantic tour of glittery gold movie star glamour.

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February 28, 2022