BlueSpiritBlues

 

Jazz and blues vocalist Bessie Smith’s powerful, soulful voice won her countless fans and earned her the title ‘Empress of the Blues’. She has been a primary influence for countless female vocalists including singer/songwriter Sil Fiore. This duo, with guitarist Ian Montague, is a tribute to Bessie Smith and to the origins of blues music in its purest form – 1920s to 1930s front porch blues .

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on 15 April 15 1894, she began to sing at a young age and in 1923 signed a contract with Columbia Records. Soon she was among the highest-paid black performers of her time with hits like ‘Downhearted Blues’. By the end of the 1920s, however, her popularity had declined, though she continued to perform and made new recordings at the start of the Swing Era. Her comeback and life were cut short when she died on September 26, 1937 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident outside of Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Although Elegant and with a Jazz feel, the repertoir is hand picked with lyrics from the iconic Blues themes and athmoshere, presented as a Duo with Sil Fiore (voice, shaker and Kazoo), Ian Montague (guitar and backing vocals) and the occasional addition of personnel (cajon, percussion, bass, trumpet).

Duo with Ian Montague

Live in London (duo with Ian Montague)

Live in Milan (with jazz quartet)

PAST GIGS

2nd July 2017 -  Symposium, 363 Roman road, E3 5QR (in duo with Ian Montague)

15th July 2017 -  Muxima, 618 Roman Rd, London E3 2RW (in duo with Ian Montague)

25th August 2017 -  THE PRINCE OF GREENWICH PUB ,72 Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8RT  (in duo with Ian Montague)

7th October 2017 -  THE PRINCE OF GREENWICH PUB ,72 Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8RT  (in duo with Ian Montague)

4th November 2017 -  THE PRINCE OF GREENWICH PUB ,72 Royal Hill, Greenwich, SE10 8RT  (in duo with Ian Montague)

2nd December 2017 -  Muxima, 618 Roman Rd, London E3 2RW (in duo with Ian Montague)

For bookings contact: fiorilvia-blues@yahoo.com