I Just Flew In From The Coast…

My trip to the west coast was a treat in every way, and my fans on the Songbirds e-mail group seem to have liked it, too. Here are a couple of the comments that were posted. These comments mean a lot to me because of who wrote them. The first is from Jim Blackman, a music aficionado and good friend of Ella Fitzgerald. The second is from Buddy Bregman, who is a legendary producer and arranger from the early days of Verve Records (and who you can see pictured with me below.)

I was invited to an art opening a year ago, and had the pleasure of meeting Spider Saloff who was in town to appear at our premiere cabaret venue, the Plush Room. Truthfully, I had never heard of her, but was buoyed by her enthusiasm of the GAS and by the accolades from other fans and by our own Chris Morano. Sadly, as I was leaving for New Orleans that very week, I missed the opportunity to hear Spider in person. However, I did implore her to join Songbirds which she did to her great delight.

I finally picked up one of her albums, the Gershwin album when I was in New York in October, and began listening to Spider. I was impressed, but missed not having seen her in person. I heard that you really had to see Spider to appreciate her, but they say that about practically everyone, and to tell you the truth I didn't think that I was going to be that impressed. Well, I must say I was wrong, dead wrong.

Spider appeared at a new venue called the Lush Lounge which is basically a long bar with bar seats. It used to be a very low rent establishment but has been fixed up and now has the feel of a great bar. And, there are pictures of all our idols on the wall, including the Peggy Lee cover of "I Like Men". I looked across the bar and looking down on me was a framed picture of Ella. I suddenly was happy. Spider appeared in a little nook way above the room, reached by a long narrow stairway. She immediately began to weave her web of magic. Sorry for that! She sang a little Gershwin, a little Cole Porter, a little Billy Strayhorn (a beautiful "A Flower is Such a Lovesome Thing" and "Lush Life") and a hilarious version of "Vodka" by Gershwin that has to be seen to be believed. She had everyone roaring with that one.

Spider is a great singer, but she also is a smashing entertainer. She came down the stairs looking like Lotte Lenya, smoking and singing "Tea for Two" with a German accent. It sounds weird, but it worked, it really worked. I was with a friend who is a blues person and who doesn't like singers much, but she loved Spider. And my friend Marie Mansi who is also on Songbirds whom I had seen Jane Monheit with last week was enthralled. I asked her if she liked Spider better than Jane and she immediately said "yes, ten times better." She also told Spider that she liked watching Spider because it was clear that Spider was comfortable with herself on the stage and Spider was very pleased with that comment. As a singer, Spider has a distinct sound, and I don't know who she reminds me of. She has her own style and way of phrasing. As a singer she is great, but it's the whole package that really provides the icing on the cake. I know that Buddy and others will have a great time with her down South, and I can't wait to have her come back to the Bay Area.

BTW, through Songbirds and correspondence with Stefano who is a big Spider fan, she gave a concert in Florence that was made possible by Stefano. She and Chris Morano waxed poetic about Stefano. The first words out of Spider's mouth when she saw me was to thank me for getting her on Songbirds. This a great group to be a part of, that is for sure.

Jim Blackman

She is also a great musician as evidenced by her scatting which I'm never a fan of but more so used that particular musical ability in giving the music as well as the lyrics that 'thing' that separates her from the rest of the pack.

Chris will have to give you chapter and verse on the whole fantastic evening. And Chris was fantastic – his verve and enthusiasm is infectious. And for once in my life I was the mellow one of the crowd.

Spider also did In a Mellow Tone – I love that song – hardly ever hear it with lyrics – I recorded it on World Pacific Jazz but the version she did with the lovely lyrics was awesome.

Spider needs a constant venue/venues to build her rep – and from the looks of it last evening will certainly spawn it.

Buddy