HERBIE NICHOLS SUNG

Singer Fay Victor from New York transforms the music of Herbie Nichols into original songs with narrative lyrics. ‘Fay Victor stretches the definition of jazz vocals’ (Jazzwise).

Herbie Nichols SUNG is the first vocal project devoted to the compositions of underappreciated pianist Herbie Nichols (1919-1963), who is mostly known for the Billie Holiday standard ‘The Lady Sings the Blues’. Jazz vocalist Fay Victor has a special connection with Nichols, among others because of their shared Caribbean roots. She has written new lyrics for his compositions, using them as springboards to improvisation while still honoring the compositional contours of his music.

The addition of lyrics turns Nichols’ knotty melodic masterpieces into stories, creating more dimensions for exploration. Fay Victor has explored Nichols music for over 15 years, with Misha Mengelberg and ICP Orchestra for example. Most important to the core of the project is the desire to expose as many listeners as possible to these great works and provide another way into the delightful musical world of Herbie Nichols. At the Bimhuis, Fay Victor will perform with saxophonist Tobias Delius and pianist Achim Kaufmann.

‘Fay Victor actually stretches the definition of jazz vocals with Betty Carter, Hendrix and Sun Ra’s song-based cosmic poetry all in the mix’ (Jazzwise).

The Bimhuis restaurant is open prior to the concert from 6.30 till 8.30PM (reservations via 020-7882158). After the concert, the Bimhuis Café is open (free entrance).