Joey Arias absolutely slayed on Wednesday night at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room, performing a centennial tribute to Billie Holiday as part of the American Songbook series. The New York Times’ Stephen Holden was there, and captured the spirit of the evening in a review in this morning’s paper.

Some select quotes:
“Mr. Arias has long been admired for his ability to ‘channel’ Holiday — there is no other appropriate word — in concerts seasoned with bawdy humor and audience interaction. In a hide-and-seek dialogue, he disappears into Lady Day, then reappears as himself, then disappears again. His version of Holiday isn’t a reverent re-creation…it is full of enthusiasm and largely avoids morbidity.”

“Mr. Arias has Holiday’s scratchy voice and slinky behind-the-beat jazz phrasing down cold. More up-tempo Holiday favorites, like ‘Them There Eyes,’ ‘Easy Living,’ and “All of Me,’ conveyed a kittenish delight that brought the program’s darker moments into sharper relief.”

and I got some nice press of my own!
“Mr. Arias had wonderful support from an ensemble, led by Matt Ray on piano, whose classic, well-oiled swing was sweetened by violin and cello.”
In addition, Broadwayworld.com praised my “evocative musical arrangement.”

Raves all around!