PRAISED as the ‘First Lady of Song’ Ella Fitzgerald was a much loved jazz singer who applied her impeccable vocal style to many of the tunes which have become known as the Great American Songbook.

In what is approaching Ella’s centenary year, her inspirational singing will be celebrated by vocalist Maggie Reeday, who has appeared four times on ITV and sung for the BBC Radio Orchestra, and pianist Philip Clouts on October 14 at the Bridport Arts Centre Jazz Café.

Ella Fitzgerald was noted for her purity of tone, impeccable phrasing and intonation, and a “saxophone-like” improvisational ability, particularly in her ‘scat’ singing.

Fitzgerald had originally intended to go on stage as a dancer, but intimidated by a local dance duo called the Edwards Sisters, she opted to sing instead.

She found musical success with the Chick Webb Orchestra, performing across the USA, but most often associated with the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem.

Later she built a solo career with esteemed record label Verve Records where she recorded some of her more widely noted works.

While Fitzgerald appeared in movies and as a guest on popular television shows in the second half of the twentieth century, her musical collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and The Ink Spots were some of her most notable acts outside of her solo career. Maggie Reeday is one of the country’s finest vocalists, and has worked with some of the greatest international jazz musicians.

She has an engaging style with the audience. She has earned an excellent reputation in that field working with very accomplished musicians. Her great sense of rhythm and natural ability to connect with her audiences has them shouting for more wherever she appears.

Friday October 14 is going to be a special night-expect to hear many favourites including How High the Moon and The Lady is a Tramp.

n Maggie Reeday, at Bridport Arts Centre Jazz Cafe on Friday, October 14 at 8pm.

GIG GUIDE

TONIGHT (7)

Surfin’ Birds, Electric Shakes, Neighbourhood Strange (Finns, Weymouth)

The Invisible Gem (Royal Portland Arms, Portland)

Acoustic Session (Victoria Inn, Knights in the Bottom, Chickerell, Weymouth)

Billy Solo (Wellington, Weymouth)

Roy Charles (Weymouth Working Mens Club)

Sheryl Lee (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Beat Safari (George, Dorchester)

Remix (Park, Weymouth)

The Mighty Fine (Lugger, Chickerell, Weymouth)

Juke Box Junkies (Gloucester, Weymouth)

Georgie Broad (Black Dog, Weymouth)

Edd Bleach (Belvedere, Weymouth)

Side Door Project (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth)

SATURDAY (8)

King of Pop: Michael Jackson Tribute (Weymouth Pavilion)

Steamer Ducks (Boat That Rocks, Portland Marina)

Peacock Suit (Finns, Weymouth)

Speedway Snails (Sailors Return, Weymouth)

Steve Nicholas (Conservative Club, Weymouth)

The 5:15 (Bulls Head, Dorchester)

Restless (Weymouth Working Mens Club)

Bob Mallett (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Compass (George, Dorchester)

Freak Circus (Park, Weymouth)

Johnny King (George, Portland)

The Shakespearos (Ship Inn, Wool)

The Sands (Wyke Regis Working Mens Club, Weymouth)

The Silhouettes (Lugger, Chickerell, Weymouth)

Blame It On Bill (Gloucester, Weymouth)

Zoe Schwarz and Rob Koral (No 10, Bridport) 12-2pm.. and later

Zoe Schwarz, Rob Koral and Joe Limburn (YCs Café, Brewery Square, Dorchester) 8pm.

Sheryl Lee (Black Dog, Weymouth)

Leggomen (Ayya, Weymouth)

Fever Dog (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth)

Tripod (Crown, Bridport)

Under The Carousel (Market House, Weymouth)

SUNDAY (9)

Weird and Gilly (Royal Portland Arms, Portland)

Ricky Solo (Sailor’s Return, Weymouth) From 3pm.

Sheryl Lee’s Sunday Club (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth) 7pm.

Farrago (Globe, Weymouth) 4.30pm.

Gut and Steel (Britannia, Portland) 4pm.

Roger’s Singalong (Gloucester, Weymouth)

The Veterans (Black Dog, Weymouth)

Rat Pack (Wyke Smugglers, Weymouth)

JD Acoustic (Three Compasses, Charminster)

MONDAY (10)

Acoustic session (Belvedere, Weymouth)

TUESDAY (11)

Pete Christie (Boot, Weymouth)

Open Mic (Park, Weymouth)

Ricky Solo (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

WEDNESDAY (12)

Wessex Folk Night (Sailors Return, Weymouth)

Open Mic Night (Royal Exchange, Portland)

Open Mic (Bull, Fordington, Dorchester)

THURSDAY (13)

Leggomen (George, Weymouth)

Ricky Solo (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Open Mic (George, Dorchester)

Traditional Tune Session (Cove House Inn, Portland)

Ukulele Sessions (Sailors Return, Weymouth)

SoapBox Night (Belvedere, Weymouth)

FRIDAY (14)

Sixties Gold (Weymouth Pavilion) Featuring Brian Poole and The Tremeloes, The Searchers, PJ Proby etc

The Riotous Brothers (Electric Palace, Bridport)

Bad Intention (Finns, Weymouth)

The Remedy (Royal Portland Arms, Portland)

Emma Jane (Weymouth Working Mens Club)

Sheryl Lee (Edinburgh House of Sounds, Weymouth)

Billy Solo (Wellington, Weymouth)

Lauren Bannon (Boat That Rocks, Portland Marina)