Judy Carmichael: I Love Being Here With You!

Running Time: 1 hour 50 minutes approx with an interval

Not many contemporary jazz pianists can boast a nickname given to them by the great Count Basie, but Grammy nominee Judy Carmichael can. When Basie heard Judy, on one of her first gigs, he was so impressed, he dubbed her “Stride” in reference to her mastery of that early piano style popularized by Thomas “Fats” Waller and James P. Johnson.

Today, Judy Carmichael is considered one of the greatest pianists in the swing tradition and one of the most sensitive vocalists. Of Judy’s singing, America’s premier jazz magazine, Jazz Times writes: ‘Carmichael exhibits a truly remarkable ability to channel Peggy Lee’s breathy invitingness and her befogged insouciance (and) echoes the intense perspicacity of the solo albums of Annie Ross. In other words, she winningly blends two of the all-time finest, most intuitive jazz singers.’

This program will feature songs from Judy’s newest CD “I Love Being Here With You” including compositions by Peggy Lee, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Gershwin. Judy will also debut her original compositions, “My Manhattan” (music and lyrics) and “I Can See Forever” (Harry Allen music, Judy’s lyrics).

‘Judy Carmichael is a great entertainer. Her playing is masterly and her linking material show her to be a raconteur in the Ustinov mold.’ BBC Radio

‘ . . . astounding, flawless, captivating.’ The New York Times.

‘Judy is a one-woman force for good; more to the point, she’s a player of extraordinary accomplishment who has made stride piano relevant again.’ London Times