Valerie Holiday at The Iridium Jazz Club

The marvelous Valerie Holiday is indeed on a bit of a vacation. From the history making girl group The Three Degrees, that is. Declared by the Guiness Book of World Records to be "the longest continually performing female trio,” their biggest and most well known hit came in 1974 with the internationally popular “When Will I See You Again.” The attractive and seemingly ageless diva made her solo debut this past week at the Iridium Jazz Club, and I was lucky enough to be in attendance. She did indeed honor us with her stellar rendition of her biggest hit as well as another (“Dirty Ol’ Man”) in her encore, but also charmed and impressed immensely throughout a crowd pleasing set of standards both familiar and not.

The elegantly dressed and coiffed Ms. Holiday entered by making her way through the audience, greeting friends old and new with an obvious joy in what she was about to do. Although she began a tad hesitantly, she really hit her stride with a powerful reading of  the Brandy tune “Have You Ever,” and showcased what a sumptuous singing actress she could be in the marvelous “One Good Reason”  recorded by Phyllis Hyman. Particularly outstanding was an Esther Phillips(esque) take on the Dinah Washington treasure “What a Difference a Day Makes.”

Ms. Holiday also treated her enraptured audience to the Stevie Wonder penned “Overjoyed” (from Mr. Wonder’s fantabulous 1985 album In Square Circle, which is slowly attaining a classic status all its own) as well as a lovely take on the trusty Neil Diamond/Alan & Marilyn Bergman collaboration “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers.” The only complaint I might find is that (Jazz traditions be darned) I would have loved to hear more about this incredible woman’s remarkable career from her own lips, and she could perhaps benefit from the advice of a clever director to help shape the flow of the evening.

There were a few too many ballads in similar keys in a row, but her husky soul-infused vocal instrument remains marvelously intact, powerful and ultimately pleasing. There was simply no mistaking that sound when she at last launched into her signature song with goosebumps all around. She was aided immensely by the sensational David Shenton on piano (and violin!) making this a memorable evening that is sure to grow in style and assurance as this classy lady embarks on the next leg of her already historic journey.

Valerie Holiday returns to The Iridium this coming Tuesday evening, October 12 with performances at 8, 10 and a special midnite show!