The Jazz Half

Cincinnati's Jazz Showcase

On Sunday April 29th, Banu Gibson and the New Orleans Hot Jazz Group performed at the Fitton Center Ballroom in Hamilton, Ohio.  The show was graciously presented by the Little Chicago Jazz Society of Hamilton.  The group consisted of Banu with the vocals, John Sheridan on Piano, Dan Levenson on Clarinet and Tenor, John Von Ohlen on Drums, and Eric Sayer on Bass. 

The Group performs an early and nostalgic flavour of Jazz; and settled in quite nicely with their opener - an up-tempo, vintage New Orleans version of “Blue Skies”.  The second Banu delivered her first lyric the audience was captivated not only in her voice, but with her stage presence as well.  Stepping and dancing across the stage while performing, interacting with the band during a song, and sporting a smile that could chase any and all clouds away.  Throughout each piece, no one felt overlooked as Banu acknowledged every single person in the ballroom, including her own band. 

Before each piece, Banu provided history on that particular number; often including a short story on her personal experience with the song.  She told the story about how Fats Waller wrote a song about rent parties, which were frequent among the struggling artists in early New York City, where everyone paid a quarter to listen to a group to contribute to the rent.  She also shared with the audience “The Monkey Song”, written by Hoagy Carmichael based on the 1952 movie starring Jane Russell.  Banu also performed a few classic tunes from Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers films including “It’s a lovely Day”.  A seemingly neverending wealth of Jazz history knowledge, she also told stories about and performed music written by Cole Porter and Johnny Mercer. 

Banu is originally from Dayton, Ohio and after living in South Florida and New York City, settled down in New Orleans and lives there to this day.  She shared stories about how her family was affected by hurricane Katrina, and while this was a very unfortunate event, Banu was able to make light of some of it.  This was received as entertaining and refreshing to the audience.  By her own admission, Banu became very emotional when performing two particular pieces about her beloved New Orleans:  “Louisiana Fairytale” and Bessie Smith’s “Muddy Water”.  Her heartfelt passion for her home was heard and felt by everyone in the ballroom. 

In one particular instrumental, Dan Levenson grabbed the clarinet and led the group into the very classic and upbeat “Josef Josef” by the Benny Goodman Quartet.  This piece featured hot solos by Eric Sayer on Bass and John Von Ohlen on Drums.

By the end of two sets, Banu and the New Orleans Hot Jazz Group closed with “Pardon my Southern Accent”, a Johnny Mercer tune referencing his own Savannah, Georgia dialect. 

This was not only a very entertaining show, but educational as well.  In a perfect blend, Banu combined the elements of humor, song, conversation, and history.  Her energy, and personality - as vibrant as her red hair and smile, explains how she was able to still deliver a quality performance after playing in Cincinnati earlier the same day.  When Banu is in town, she is a must-see.  Oh, and don’t forget to take good notes.

atj