The Brunswick, Holland Road, Hove Sunday May 17 Brighton’s very own Edana Minghella brought elegance, style and stories to the stage of the Brunswick with her homage to Billie Holiday.

 

In the candle lit room the atmosphere felt both cosy and sophisticated, and ideal setting for the intimacies of Mingella’s beguiling voice and for her confident trio of musicians made up of bass, piano and sax.

 

In this, the centenary year of Billie Holiday’s birth, Minghella sang a selection of jazz songs made famous by Lady Day. Highlights included spirited interpretations of “Comes Love”, “Can’t Take That Away From Me” , “Day in Day Out” and “All, Or Nothing At All”.

 

Wisely, Minghella chose not to attempt the iconic “Strange Fruit” but Holiday’s self penned songs, “Don’t Explain”, written in response to her husband’s roving eye, and a melancholically sweet “God Bless the Child” received a warm response from the appreciative audience.

 

Throughout the evening Minghella told stories of Holiday’s early and late years , her romantic involvements, including with Tallulah Bankhead, and her struggles with heroin, alcohol and racism. A portrait was drawn of both vulnerability and strength, sadness and sassiness.

 

Minghella brought all of these elements to her own singing. Her non pastiche, nicely judged performance was a fitting tribute to the Lady’s poignant story.

 

Valerie Daly