Clubscene

"Jazz Dressed in an Evening Gown"

The Heathman - Saturday, September 30, 2006
Linda Lee Michelet

Saturday night, 09.30.06, jazz doffed its work clothes and donned its most elegant evening dress in the form of Linda Michelet, jazz chanteuse extraordinaire. The sumptuous lounge of the Heathman Hotel took on the trappings of New York's Carlyle Hotel for a touch of elegance served up by Linda and her tuxedoed band. Capably assisting Linda musically were Neal Grandstaff on guitar; Bob Wahlke on drums, Paul Mazzio on trumpet; Bill Athens on stand up bass and Lanny Ball on piano. Linda's muse and inspiration is Peggy Lee with echoes of Julie London and Dianna Krall in evidence, with a smoky, torchy style extant. Her repertoire of standard ballads includes I've Got You Under My Skin; Stormy Weather; Don't Ever Leave Me; On the Street Where You Live; You've Changed and of course Cry Me a Rriver, among others. Linda works the room deftly and makes her performance a personalized offering that warms up the premises song after song. Her warmth, poise and way with a ballad brings out the best possibilities in each number and makes for a memorable evening.

Linda works as a Tri-Met investigator by day and a torch singer at night. This wonderful warbler has relatively recently found her jazz voice, showcased so beautifully in her debut CD entitled "Linda Lee Michelet Live" recorded at The Heathman in September & October of 2005. Sixteen tracks of dynamite made a fan of this writer and it just gets better in person.

Linda can be seen at The Heathman the last Saturday of each month and she will be performing at the Old Church in March, 2007. Consult your local listings for the exact date and time.

Get in your Chevrolet and drive to the Heathman to see Michelet. Put Linda Lee to the test and you will agree she is the best!

rl