"Another Lady Sings the Blues" Songs of Billie Holiday with Tish Adams and Tim Ray

Music & More Winter Concert Series: "Another Lady Sings the Blues" Songs of Billie Holiday with Tish Adams

Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 3:30 - 4:30 pm.

Member $18 / Non-Member $24

Season Pass: Member $160 / Non-Member $195

Billie Holiday is categorized as a Jazz singer... Yet she is known as the Lady who sings the Blues.

Singer, Tish Adams has that same kind of dual identity. Many who frequent New England's live music scene have compared these two vocalists.

Perhaps it's the way that both approach phrasing with the sensibilities of a horn player - adventurous enough to explore the improvisational possibilities that each tune has to offer, while keeping unfailing respect for the path that makes the adventure possible... the melody.

Perhaps it's the way they both feel what they sing and can make you feel it too.

Perhaps it's just that they both have hair that waves, when pulled back and adorned with a flower.

Once again, Tish Adams will team up with pianist, Tim Ray, to reprise her popular tribute to the legendary "Lady Day." The vocalist will share her love of this Jazz icon in discussion and song. Those expecting an impersonation will be sorely disappointed. Adams says it's "inspiration NOT imitation." She shares Holiday's belief that every vocalist should find their own voice. After all, as "Lady Day" was known to say..."If I'm going to sing like someone else, then I don't need to sing at all."

Tish Adams, Vocal

Ask Tish Adams what she does for a living. She'll flash you a smile and say... "I make FUN!"Join her for some Jazz, Blues & a few Surprises! and you'll know it's true. Her range, versatility, and extensive repertoire take many by surprise. Inspired and imaginative with phrasing and tempos, she serves up fresh interpretations of time-honored Standards, in passionate tribute to the rich Jazz tradition. Tish Adams has a style that is all her own. She has grown her 1986 Jazz debut, a stunning theatrical portrayal of song-stylist, Dakota Staton (Celebrity Club Remembered, Providence RI), into the multi-faceted artistic life she enjoys today. From tiny neighborhood pubs to black-tie galas, her compelling performances are seasoned with long-forgotten gems, a touch of the unexpected, and a dash of the Blues.

Based in Rhode Island, Tish has life-long ties to Cape Cod. Her parents and much of her extended family live here. Lately, she's brought more of her musical life across the canal. You may recognize her from recurring guest appearances with prominent drummer, bandleader, and educator, Bart Weisman, or the Wayne Naus Quintet. More recently, under her own name, she has been well-received at events for ArtsFalmouth, the Cultural Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Amplify POC, Inc. of Cape Cod, the Provincetown Jazz Festival, and the Cotuit Center for the Arts. In August of 2021, Adams joined the roster of Sunday Jazz Brunch performers at The West End in Hyannis. Look for her outstanding trio, in months that include a fifth Sunday.

In addition to her performances and collaborations, Tish hosts monthly Jazz concerts ("Tish Adams Presents..") and two weekly jazz radio programs:

"The Vocalists & Localists Show" has been on the air for 27 years and counting (90.3 FM WRIU, KingstonRI, www.wriu.org), In February of 2024, Tish launched a second show, "Mornin' with Tish" (105.7 FM WETF, South Bend, Indiana, www.jazzradiowetf.org).

To follow Tish Adams' musical adventures, go to https://tishadams.com

Tim Ray, Piano

Tim Ray's wide-ranging skills as a soloist and accompanist have afforded him the opportunity to perform with legendary performers from many diverse styles of music. He is perhaps best known as Tony Bennett's most recent pianist and musical director, appearing in concerts with him until his retirement from singing in 2020. Featured on over 100 recordings to date, Tim has performed in concert with an extensive list of pop music icons, notably Aretha Franklin, Lyle Lovett, Jane Siberry, and Soul Asylum. He regularly performs with leading figures in the jazz world, among them Kurt Elling, Gary Burton, Esperanza Spalding, Phil Woods, Terri Lyne Carrington, Scott Hamilton, Dave Douglas, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Lewis Nash and Rufus Reid; and his classical credits include solo performances and concerts with the Boston Pops, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and the Glens Falls (NY) Symphony. Tim's busy schedule has included frequent tours throughout the Americas, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and has included performances at Carnegie Hall, the White House, the Kennedy Center, and the 1992 Presidential Inauguration. Tim has also performed repeatedly on "The Tonight Show" (Johnny Carson, Jay Leno), "Late Night with David Letterman," "The Conan O'Brien Show, "Austin City Limits," and various other national TV and radio broadcasts. His most recent CD as a leader - Fire & Rain - featuring John Lockwood on bass and Mark Walker on drums, was released on the Whaling City Sounds record label in 2023. Excursions & Adventures, featuring drummer Terri Lyne Carrington and bassist John Patitucci, and Windows (with Lockwood and Walker) are also available on the Whaling City label. He released his first CD as a leader in 1997 - Ideas & Opinions - on Gunther Schuller's GM Recordings label, which included drummer Lewis Nash and bassist Rufus Reid. His second self-led CD was released in 2003 - Tre Corda - and includes Greg Hopkins on trumpet and Eugene Friesen on cello. This "chamber jazz" trio released their next recording in 2013 - Squeaky Toy - which features original compositions and music by Bela Bartok. Tim also has a solo piano CD: On My Own, vol. 1 - New Works, a collection of original compositions and improvisations. A sought-after arranger and composer, Tim has penned numerous original works for his trio Tre Corda, for solo piano, big band, string orchestra, and an extensive body of writing for jazz trio and quartet. He is a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and a longtime Professor on the faculty of the Berklee College of Music. Tim also teaches jazz piano at the Philips Exeter Academy and conducts workshops and clinics at colleges and high schools throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Cancellation policy: CCMoA must be notified 1 week prior for refund.