Web: sheilalandis.com
Contact: shelandis@gmail.com
Players: Sheila Landis, vocals, percussion, kazoo; Rick Matle, 7-string guitar; John Hill, drums
One of Detroit's newest live jazz music rooms is the sleek and acoustically perfect Ro Cham Beau. The veteran duo of Sheila Landis and Rick Matle recently made their maiden voyage there, one for the books. They were joined by trusty sideman John Hill who embraced their swinging groove like a hand in glove.
The evening’s theme was a journey through the decades, taking pages from the Great American Songbook through standard blues and pop. But you quickly realize that nothing by this ensemble is by rote. Each song is meticulously crafted where the ensemble stays faithful to the music’s essence while taking liberties at the same time.
First popularized by Eddie Cantor during the heyday of vaudeville, Landis immediately captivates the crowd with the perennial “Makin’ Whoopee.” From the outset, she engaged the audience in joining her on the chorus as she dramatically “talk-sang” the lightly provocative and coquettish lyrics. Matle’s seamless blend of melody and walking bass establishes a comfortable rapport with Hill’s delicate drumming. “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” was a popular quote and classic from Duke Ellington. It came to life here via Landis’ outrageous kazoo soloing, bongo playing and Hill’s cue to step out. Landis kept a friendly rapport going with the crowd and dedicated the standard “Fly Me to the Moon” to the Artemis II astronauts. With a breathy Billie Holiday quality to her voice the lead chanteuse soared wistfully over a silky Latin rhythm. “The Lady is a Tramp” was appropriately swinging and edgy which transitioned to the sweet and seductive “Besame Mucho.” Hill and Landis provided dense percussion as Matle subtly blended looping chords and deftly placed lead lines. The first set concluded with the perennial upbeat “When You’re Smiling.” Landis’ spirited kazoo honks and Hill’s call and response drumming were a highlight.
Set two began with the Bacharach/David classic “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again.” It featured Landis on shakers as she supported a smooth samba-like vibe. Matle took some nice solos here as well. Another instrumental piece was the moody and noir-ish “Harlem Nocturne.”
A devotee of the late great jazz vocalist Betty Carter, Landis evokes that same spirit and charm into everything she does. And you could even include elements of Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone into her vocal oeuvre as well. Her style blends the sublime with the slightly dramatic and absurd for a performance that is inviting, yet one of a kind. She fuses humor and reflection at the drop of a hat, with all the skill of a Broadway diva. Matle stands alone as one of the best 7-string guitarists on the scene. His ability to blend melody, chords and bass lines simultaneously is a joy to be had. And his encyclopedic trick bag of Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, Barney Kessel, and Jimi Hendrix-type styles just adds to the versatile nature of their music. John Hill is equally comfortable laying down a solid pocket or adding subtle brush work.
Whether they are doing classic cover material or a bevy of their well-crafted original songs, Landis and Matle always deliver and leave you wanting more.
