“Breathtaking, amazing emotional intensity – sheer virtuosity.” (Irish Times).Īlready firmly established in the pantheon of creative Irish artists, Melanie O’Reilly is recognized as one of Ireland’s international jazz ambassadors and celtic jazz pioneers. “Sultry, soulful” – “the ideal soundtrack to a hot summer night”. It is to me, a case of “O’Dayja Vu” such is Melanie’s success in conjuring up Anita’s jazz era & the vibrant life which accompanied her unique art. Melanie O’Reilly with her show in celebration of Anita O’Day brings us up close to this Irish American jazz icon. She went on to become one of the world’s greatest jazz singers, captured in the iconic film documentary “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival….
Interspersing narration between the songs, Melanie tells the story of O’Day, who was born to Irish parents in Kansas City, wanted to be a jazz singer, and refused to let anything stop her.
She brings the great singer’s spirit back to life, recalling her unique way of scatting, varying tempos, bending and stretching melodies and generally transforming everything she sang.
“Melanie O’Reilly does more than pay tribute to Anita O’Day. Jazz on a Summer’s Day: A Tribute to Anita O’Dayįrank Martin – piano, Fred Randolph -bass, Jack Dorsey -Drums.įresh from her highly successful performance of Jazz on a Summer’s Day: A Tribute to Anita O Day, at Dublin’s Pavilion Theatre, award-winning Jazz vocalist, Melanie O’Reilly returns to Angelicas to celebrate this legendary hip vocalist, capturing the essence of an unconventional musical genius, who shattered the traditional image of the ‘girl singer’ with her smokey swinging style and brilliant sense of rhythm.