Amanda King – Courtesy of William Rasdell. Used with permission.
Singer Amanda King, who bills herself as a classic chanteuse, gave a masterclass in swing music when she performed her one woman show, “ELLA The Early Years,” Wednesday, Sept. 27 at The District Theatre on Mass Ave. in Indianapolis. The show, which marked the Indy native’s first local performance since 2009, played in front of an enthusiastic sold-out house filled primarily with friends and acquaintances of King whose family has deep roots in the city’s Black community. It was a joyous and triumphant return for the Las Vegas-based jazz singer whom I profiled here prior to her recent appearance.
A preservationist of the music and performers of the early 20th century, King who New York Times critic Steven Holden exalted as “an exceptional rising talent,” more than proved her mettle during her homecoming concert. Accompanying King was a pickup group of local jazz musicians, all of them virtuoso players with impressive credits. The trio included Cassius Goens on drums, Steven Alexander Jones on piano and Jesse Whitman on bass.
Amanda King – Courtesy of William Ransdell. Used with permission.
“ELLA The Early Years,” honoring Ella Fitzgerald, The First Lady of Song,” was essentially a valentine to one of King’s music idols. The show focused on Fitzerald’s early years during the 1930s and her association with drummer extraordinaire Chick Webb and his orchestra. A charming raconteur with an infectious smile, King surveyed Fitzgerald’s formative years through word and song.
Singing in an expressive voice, appealing for its distinctive tone and range, and reminiscent of Fitzgerald’s, King showed her mastery of the swing style, all the while interpreting lyrics skillfully and delivering them with impeccable diction and clarity.
King regaled the engaged crowd with a set list that reflected painstaking research, resulting in a loving portrayal of Fitzgerald. Highlights of the show, consisting of tunes, with lighthearted and clever lyrics reflective of the period, were such ditties as “Dipsy Doodle,” “Vote for Mr. Rhythm,” and “A Tisket, A Tasket.” Though proficient at delivering the tongue twisting lyrics of mostly upbeat songs, King also showed her ability to convey vulnerability in touching ballads such as “Moon Ray,” and her own haunting arrangement of “If You Only Knew.”
Exhibiting a showmanship and poise indicative of one born to entertain, King appears to be on the cusp of breaking out as a national, if not international artist. There is no question she has the right stuff to do so. Hopefully, with the appropriate exposure and under effective management, it won’t be long until we see the gifted, effervescent, songstress on the world stage where she belongs.
For more information about Amanda King visit her website at amandaking.com.
