SAMANTHA SIDLEY

Thu., Dec. 7.  SAMANTHA SIDLEY.  We can’t sufficiently convey how excited we are that Samantha Sidley has at last emerged from the “pandemic dormancy,” now with a new and more intimate show, harkening back to her beginnings with accompanist and collaborator, Dan Reckard—with their unique arrangements and insightful treatments of well-known and forgotten standards.  Drawn to each other’s musical sensibilities as USC music students, their enduring mutual admiration projects through every phrase.  Yes, their repertoire includes fare for which The Gardenia has become best known:  American Songbook, classics from the 20’s through the 60’s, gems from the musical theatre, etc.; but their style is completely unique, their program a youthful yet insightful cornucopia of finely wrought musical delicacies, each unusually well-integrated. Unlike the parfait approach most jazz musicians/stylists bring to a “set,” with each participant adding his or her individual layer, this duo plumbs their material thoroughly and bakes their product beforehand, the result no longer simply songs upon which instrumental ornaments have been hung, but unique art pieces that stand by themselves.  The award-winning Miss Sidley herself brings supple tonality, a Jessica Rabbit sensuality, and an arresting singers’ port de bras; and musical director Dan Reckard brings fresh, innovative, and sensitive piano underpinnings.  Before “the pandemic,” word-of-mouth spread, and Miss Sidley’s performances became “standing room only.”  We so look forward to partaking of this duo’s tantalizing musical morsels once again.