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Ernestine Anderson at the Jazz Standard
Critically acclaimed jazz singer brings her vocal prowess to the Big Apple
Ernestine Anderson
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Ernestine Anderson is the kind of singer whose voice one can imagine wafting over the brass in a big band hall or blowing away concert halls—and she really has been there to see (and sing) it all. With over sixty years of experience under her belt, this critically acclaimed jazz singer brings to mind singing greats such as Dinah Washington. But Anderson, whose voice has been described as seductive and special, is an artist all her own. Her induction into the performance world was a prelude to what was to come. Having grown up on the big band music of Count Basie and Billy Eckstine, Anderson entered herself into a local talent competition. Full on talent but low on experience, the young singer had only two songs in her repertoire. When the assigned accompanist asked her which key she would like to sing in, she answered “C” unaware that this was out of her vocal range. What Anderson did next would foreshadow the rest of her singing career.
Unable to keep up with the main melody, the young singer began improvising, forging her own way through the music and creating something all her own. An audience member told her that she was a jazz singer that day and she hasn’t turned back since. Anderson will bring her original vocal prowess to the Jazz Standard August 6–9 as her band, the Ernestine Anderson Quartet, and the concert she puts on is sure to be a can’t miss occasion. Having played Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Monterey Jazz Festival (six times over) the singer is certainly no stranger to putting on a show.
By her side during this latest gig are band members Lafayette Harris Jr. on piano, Lonnie Plaxico on bass, Willie Jones III on the drums and Houston Person—long associated with jazz interpreter Etta Jones—on tenor saxophone. The performer has most recently recorded on Quincy Jones’ Qwest Label but has concentrated on live performances for the past decade. Her shows at the Jazz Standard run Thursday through Sunday and tickets cost $30. More information can be found at jazzstandard.com.