Search - The Follen Angels :: Jazz Divas the Songs of Ella, Peggy, & Billie

The Follen Angels developed the Jazz Divas show for their November 2004 engagement at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston. The idea was to salute three vocalists, masters of jazz, who helped define the idiom. There were a number of extraordinary women to choose among, but after much discussion, they opted for the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Billie Holiday. The three shared not only amazing musical talents, but also many life circumstances. All were born in the early part of the twentieth Century, had difficult childhoods, and the innate abilities and gumption to add new complexities to the art of jazz. Each of these women have received countless honors and awards. Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday were inducted into the Jazz Hall of Fame, while Ella and Peggy Lee was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Peggy was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Follen Angels resonate with each of these women�fs love of music and the freedom to create and innovate. Ella said, �gThe only thing better than singing is more singing. �c.I stole everything I ever heard, but mostly from the horns.�h Nothing could be more evident of this than Ella�fs rendering of, �gHow High the Moon.�h Ella was not above feeling star struck, herself. Once, when Billie Holiday was playing at the Opera House nearby, Ella sheepishly went over to ask for her autograph. Billie was an innovator in altering phrasing and rhythm, long before it became the norm in jazz. She said, �gI hate straight singing. I have to change a tune to my own way of doing it. That�fs all I know.�h Jeanne Moreau said of her, �gShe could express more emotion in one chorus than most actresses can in three acts.�h Billie�fs own composition, �gGod Bless The child�h says everything about pain and lack of freedom and the vulnerability of a child in those haunting lyrics. And Miss Peggy Lee was a sensual, intelligent, hip and nuanced performer. Her breathy, quiet style gave the impression of �gbeen there, done that.�h Many of the songs she chose to perform were every bit as intense as those of Billie Holiday. Her prowess as a composer was anything but laid back: she wrote hundreds of songs. She not only wrote, �gHe�fs a Tramp�h for the Disney film, �gLady and the Tramp�h but took on the corporation in a lawsuit and won for her share of royalties. These talented and determined women, and what�fs behind their music, inspired the Angels. Their aim was not to imitate, but to pay homage. The love and pleasure of this show can be heard by the Angels�f performance and their audience�fs response on this CD. Enjoy!