I’m ashamed to tell you that when I woke up Christmas morning, Father Christmas had only left a lump of coal in my stocking. (And a small one at that!) I got on the horn to him right away, and put him on the spot: Is this because I never pick up the check? I return your sled without refilling the tank? Your brother and I never clean before leaving your townhouse? “No, you imbecile!” he yelled! Feleceia Wilson Benton is starring in Ella’s Swinging Christmas, and it closes January 3rd! Feleceia’s been a good girl all year long, and I won’t have you dropping the ball!” I searched for a witty rejoinder but answer came there none. As usual, Santy was right. So here goes.
Inspired by Ella Fitzgerald’s wildly popular 1960 album: Ella Wishes you A Swinging Christmas, Ella’s Swinging Christmas is available through streaming, courtesy of WaterTower Theatre. Born April 25th, 1917, Ms. Fitzgerald (aka: First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz and Lady Ella) rose to distinction and soon became (along with Billie Holliday and Mildred Bailey) one of America’s preeminent Jazz Divas.
In Ella’s Swinging Christmas, Benton covers all the songs from the watershed album, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Sleigh Ride, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Winter Wonderland and The Christmas Song. In addition, she performs: Good Morning Blues, A-Tisket, A -Tasket and What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?
Much contemporary stage entertainment appropriates the life and career of numerous performers, musicians and composers (Billie Holliday, Billy Joel, Carole King, The Four Seasons…) with mixed results. Some of them work better than others. Ella’s Swinging Christmas stands out as a tribute that doesn’t aim to depict the “character” for us. Feleceia Wilson Benton informs us early on that WaterTower has recreated her own living room for this special concert, and indeed it has that welcoming, cozy feel. The trio laying down those cool rhythms for Benton’s remarkable pipes includes: Kwinton Gray (piano), KJ Gray (upright bass), and Jackie Whitmill (percussion). These chipper, sometimes moody, often tongue-in-cheek classics move along at brisk clip, without feeling rushed.
As a kid, I was often confused by the appeal that jazz had for adults. It always seemed distracted from any recognizable tune. To be all frosting and no cake. Now, of course, the pensive and playful side of jazz itself, and the genius of a chanteuse like Feleceia Wilson Benton, comfort my mind and spirit by exponentially riffing, counterpointing and resuscitating the familiar and the unfamiliar. Jazz brings a wry, understated panache to the traditional Christmas songs we know so well, blending grown up savvy with a genuine appreciation for the innocence and grace that lend to enchantment. Ms. Benton brings gusto and sophisticated chops to these stories that still tickle, move and delight us.
At the risk of sounding like the Grinch, it’s hard to watch any Christmas special without dreading the usual cringe-worthy, forced sort of patter they were probably using when your Grandpa was a child. Rest assured: Ella’s Swinging Christmas avoids such hazards. It is adult in the best sense of the word, while remaining perfectly appropriate for the young ones. Treat yourself to a giddy, smooth, upbeat evening and don’t miss this.
Ellas’s Swinging Christmas: WaterTower Theatre (Streaming): November 27th – January 3rd, 2020. 15650 Addison Road, Addison Texas 75001. 972-450-6232. email: info@watertowertheatre.org Website: www.watertowertheatre.org