Erin McDougald

This is a wonderful intimate room, ideal for a 'cabaret' style performer like Erin. She has such a lovely instrument and her rapport with the audience is very real.

Throughout the evening, Erin takes liberty to rearrange standards without committing musical sacrilege. She does this in a manner that fits her sensuous style. Such was the case on Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight". She even merged this number with a few lines in French.

Garcia added a soft muted trumpet sound on this number. Although he had never performed with Erin, he seamlessly stepped in without missing a beat. They repeated this sound on "Where Flamigos Fly". One could almost feel Erin's emotions as she rendered this number with admirable affectation.

The versatile Garcia was coaxed by Block to play a few chords on the piano on "Autumn Leaves". This was in addition to his fine trumpet solo. Block, throughout the night switched between the piano and guitar. He plays both instruments with equal ability.

Although in the background most of the evening, bassist Matt Young maintained deep bass tones while complementing the other ensemble members.

Erin closed out this fine evening of music with a beautiful version of "Detour Ahead", a number written by Johnny Frigo and recorded by Billie Holiday, and "Bye Bye Blackbird". Of course, both were done ala "Erin's Style".

If one is looking for a night of sensuous music in a intimate environment, Erin McDougald's set at the Allerton Hotel on Wednesdays and Saturdays is the place to be.