Lorraine Feather: poet of hipness
There is a new sound in jazz based on old jazz sounds that has critics and fans raving. That would be Lorraine Feather. Billie Holiday was her godmother and Feather’s performance has been described as a work of genius; she’s the new poet of hipness.
Feather has become the darling of the jazz community as a lyricist and singer. She is the daughter of the late great jazz critic, columnist and author Leonard Feather. Being around him and the music of that era helped shape her.
“I fought it at first; I even tried to be an actress and dancer. I fell into singing because I was so frustrated at not making any money acting and you could make a few bucks singing in clubs. It made my self-esteem skyrocket.”
She admits to being in love with the romantic big band era of jazz in the ’30s and ’40s of pre-bebop.
“I had gotten particularly interested in that period. I like the small big band sound … there’s a sense of mystery about the early Ellington pieces. There was something very swinging about them and they had a lot of atmosphere.”
Feather dedicated a whole CD, Such Sweet Thunder, to her original lyrics and vocals of Duke Ellington tunes. Her latest CD is dooji wooji, where she instills some humorously quirky lyrics to four Ellington pieces.
Feather defines herself primarily as a writer of vocalese and a singer of older style jazz. “There are so many great singers out there and of course there are great writers, too, but I think that this field is not as thick.”
Writing vocalese, the art of putting lyrics to jazz instrumental tunes or solos, came about in the modern bebop era thanks to Jon Hendricks. Feather has taken it a step back and redefined it.
“I don’t do it quite the way Hendricks did; also, I write different songs. My songs go off in a different direction from what he did. I don’t really do bebop, quite frankly it’s a little over my head. I also have a particular liking for pre-bop melodies; they are very poignant big band and small big band tunes.”
She makes her debut in Indy at the Jazz Kitchen Saturday, Oct. 22 backed up with an exceptional jazz pianist/composer, Shelly Berg. Shows are at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m.
Giving Russell Webster his bouquet now
Indianapolis has developed many legends in jazz and we have observed the recent passing of major players who gave this city its worldwide reputation for jazz development. It’s only fitting that those remaining jazz legends be recognized and given their tribute now by this city’s jazz fans.
Saxophonist Russell Webster, known as the “whistling postman” for whistling jazz tunes as he made his mail delivery rounds, became a local legend in the ’50s and ’60s.
I talked to Webster, who has been in poor health, at his home. He recalled performing on the Avenue early in his career. “I played at some of the clubs on the Avenue with Slide Hampton and other musicians up and down the Avenue in the ’40s and ’50s and was a regular member of the Dudley Storms and Jimmy Coe Big Bands.” Webster is a prolific composer. “I write for choirs, big bands, even children’s orchestras.” He has a CD recorded of his compositions with Indiana Avenue artists entitled Uncle Funkenstein that is available. Webster was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation Hall of Fame in 1998.
I asked Webster what he would like to be known for. “I would much rather be the person who’s known for dedication, patience and giving a little love to this world that is bent on war.”
A benefit for Russell Webster and the Inner City Music School will be held Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Madame Walker Theatre Center’s fourth floor ballroom from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Performers include the Inner City Music School Combo, Steve Allee, Marvin Chandler, Rob Dixon & Triology, Allen Burke, Russell Taylor, Bill Lancton, Billy Myers & Friends, Kenny Phelps, Clifford Ratliff & Friends, Areta Lamar-Bush, Everett Greene, Larry Greene, Kelleen, Cynthia Layne and Mary Moss. Your hosts are Ralph Adams, Mary Moss and yours truly. Produced by the Indiana Avenue Alumni, the benefit is sponsored by Madame Walker Theatre Center, The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and American Legion Post 249.
Admission is $15 (students: $5, optional buffet by Grants Catering: $10). All proceeds go to Russell Webster and the Inner City Music School.
Neruda feast
Poet lariat
High praise for the homely
Slam poet Jim Powell