The Bryce Edwards Frivolity Hour

Holli Harms
January 16, 2025
Birdland, Holli Harms, New York Night Life

Rate this post

The Bryce Edwards Frivolity Hour at Birdland Jazz Club is an uplifting, exuberant time-travel experience that takes audiences back to the jazz era of the 1920s. During the show, Bryce Edwards, much like his hero Cliff Edwards (no relation), sings in a style Cliff coined as “eefin.” In fact, Cliff created a unique kazoo-like sound using his elastic, three-octave range voice, which Bryce masterfully replicates.

Sublime and Uplifting

The show is not just a tribute but rather a heartfelt homage to the jazz masters of the 1920s. It feels as though we’ve turned on our RCA radios and been transported to a different time. Not only is Bryce’s banjo playing superb, but his mandolin playing is also clever and fun. Additionally, his guitar performance is flawless, while his kazoo playing is pure joy—holy mackerel! His vocal range is both sublime and uplifting, and his scatting is truly unbelievable. Overall, these exciting and stirring sounds create a wonderful celebration of love and life.

The American Songbook

Furthermore, many of the songs featured are part of the classic American Songbook. You’ll hear Eddie Cantor’s “Makin’ Whoopee,” Cliff Edwards’ “Fascinating Rhythm,” and “Button Up Your Overcoat,” to name a few. Importantly, Bryce’s mission is to bring these long-forgotten sounds from the 1920s back into the limelight, one concert at a time. What was particularly marvelous is that although none of the audience members were alive when this music was new, everyone—young, old, and older—was swaying, tapping, and having a brilliant evening.

The Stroh Violin

In addition to his musical prowess, Bryce is a brave adventurer in the world of music. Watching him bring this mostly unknown music forward to today’s audience, even introducing us to the Stroh violin—a strange Frankenstein’s monster of an instrument created in the 1920s to be heard during recordings—is incredibly inspiring. Bryce is much like an explorer, climbing the mountains of 1920s music and diving deep into the sea to uncover the stories of artists like Cliff Edwards, Rudy Vallée, and The Goofus Five. He generously shares these musical treasures with us.

Bryce’s Talented Ensemble

Moreover, Bryce is joined on stage by his real-life girlfriend, Reilly Wilmit. Together, they create “Makin’ Music,” crafting beautiful, buoyant tunes alongside his fantastic band. The band includes Scott Ricketts on cornet, Ricky Alexander on clarinet, alto sax, and vocal harmonies, Conal Fowkes on piano and vocal harmonies, and Jay Rattman on bass saxophone. Their combined talents bring the music of the 1920s to life.

Beautiful Discoveries

In conclusion, I urge you to embark on this nostalgic journey back in time with The Bryce Edwards Frivolity Hour. You’ll make brave, beautiful discoveries along the way. Finally, Birdland Jazz Club is the perfect venue for music, food, and drinks, with its attentive wait staff adding to the delightful experience.