Rudy Simone's vocals evoke black-n-white flicks, and Manhattan nightclubs in their heyday, while her sassy sense of humor and purple wig recall television's early doyennes of wit. This is an aesthetic she has turned into “Miss Rudy's Speakeasy,” her roving act with some of the best Bay Area jazz and blues sidemen, always featuring Jeff Orchard on keys. Audiences have expressed appreciation for her ability to blend the sweetness of Judy Garland with the worldliness of Billie Holiday, and the simplicity of Bessie Jones. This is torch, blues, bebop and swing--classic jazz--at its soulful finest.
1. YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU - Recorded at Zingari's, SF June 20
2. P.S. I LOVE YOU - "Poignancy hung in the air as Miss Rudy called her next selection: a WWII favorite, about a wife writing to her soldier husband."--from MissJosanfrancisco.com
3. GOOD MORNING HEARTACHE - Probably my best performance of this song. No fancy costumes, no glamor, just emotion and music.
4. SOBBIN' HEARTED BLUES -I love Miss Bessie Smith and it's always fun singing this classic of hers
5. IT'S LIKE REACHING FOR THE MOON - A little known song done by Billie Holiday set to a home movie and stills. Gives you an idea of me and my friends offstage.
6. SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW - The first time I ever sing a song is often the purest so I usually record the moment. I think it came out very sweet, and Jeff's playing is superb.
7. MEDLEY - I Can't Give You Anything But Love, I'll Be Seeing You, but Not for Me and I'm Through With Love.
All info, pics and sounds copyright of Rudy Simone. Photos by Joanna Ramey. No reprints without permission.
