"... Broadsway know their way around jazz harmonies, sing their heads off, and actually entertain the hell out of their audiences!" ~ Jim Caruso, Host of "Jim Caruso's Cast Party @ Birdland, New York, NY
It's beginning to look a lot like Broadsway!
Following a triumphant, New York City debut earlier this month, the popular trio - comprised of three of Canada's best singer / musicians - returns to Toronto's Jazz Bistro for a special, three-night run.
Thursday, November 27th to Saturday, November 29th, the ladies will take the stage at Toronto's Jazz Bistro, recording all three performances (including half holiday tunes, half regular repertoire) for a live CD to be released in the New Year. The seasonal selections will feature Broadsway's usual clever arrangements and witty repartee, while their other repertoire will include the "Man Done Me Wrong Medley" (a mash-up of jazz/pop standards), favorites from Broadway gems "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Anything Goes", as well as "New York, New York State of Mind" (a medley of Kander & Ebb's "New York, New York" and
Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" among others.
These musical mavens will certainly be ready to celebrate! While in the Big Apple earlier this month, the Diva Demoiselles entertained a large, excited crowd at one of New York's premiere Cabaret venues, The Metropolitan Room. The "heard-it-all, seen-it-all" Gothamites rewarded them with standing ovations and accolades. "What a show and what a great time was had by ALL" cheered Cabaret artist (and Metropolitan Room veteran) Susan Winter. "The songs, the harmonies ... you ladies are very much in sync. Brava!" Broadsway earned the respect of their discerning audience, as well as an invitation to return. They'll be back at The Metropolitan Room on Sunday, January 18th for a 4 p.m. encore.
Presently, they are focused on preparing for their three nights at the Jazz Bistro. These shows are unique in that the Broads will perform with a full band. The ladies will be joined by Michael McClennan on bass (known for his performance as Slim in this summer's "Crazy for You" at the Stratford Festival), drummer Tom Jestadt, (a Shaw Festival veteran), and multi-instrumentalist - and crowd favorite - Colleen Allen on saxes.
Broadsway is comprised of vocalists Heather Bambrick and Julie Michels and pianist / vocalist / music director Diane Leah.
Heather, a voice actor and on-air host at JAZZ.FM91 in Toronto, is a winner of three National Jazz Awards, while Julie has sung throughout North America and Europe.
Dora
Mavor Moore-nominated Diane Leah is one of Canada's best music directors and arrangers. Her work with the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto Choir has earned the group a reputation as one of Toronto's most dynamic choral groups.
Broadsway came together when these three ladies discovered that, despite their respective diverse musical backgrounds, each of them loved the music of the Theatre. However, they also loved the improvisational freedom and creativity of Jazz. Three broads, performing show tunes in their own distinctive - one might say idiosyncratic - way and viola, Broadsway was born!
Their repertoire is more than classic and contemporary musical theatre. Any Broadsway show is likely to feature Jazz (including scatting), a humorous take on Classical repertoire, pop, Gospel, and everything in between. But it all begins with the Theatre and is woven together with their funny, playful - at times ribald - onstage banter. A Broadsway show is simply funny with many imaginative arrangements, customized for the ladies by the masterful musical mind of music director, Leah.
Their first CD, Old Friends is just over a year old. and remains popular. To capture Broadsway's on-stage magic on CD is something for which fans of the group have long been waiting. And now, they'll get their wish ... just in time for the Holidays!
Thursday, November 27, Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29
Music begins at 9:00 pm
Music charge: $20www.jazzbistro.cawww.thebroadswayshow.com
