For the past few years, Denver has been fortunate enough to boast the presence of one of the greatest jazz singers of this, or indeed, any age. Rene Marie has been among us in this poor cowtown that can boast only one full-time jazz club that brings in nationally, and internationally known artists. That club, Dazzle, will be hosting a CD release party for Ms. Marie's latest masterpiece, Black Lace Freudian Slip, this Saturday and Sunday, October 22nd and 23rd.
Why Denver has not embraced this singular genius of vocal jazz is beyond this writer's ken. Her courageous combination of Lift Every Voice and Sing and The Star-Spangled Banner was willfully misunderstood by the ultraconservative folks who think the National Endowment for the Arts is the spawn of Satan and love NASCAR. This is the kind of proud, defiant, strong, beautiful and talented woman we should celebrate in our community.
But to think of Rene Marie as just an "Uppercase Social Activist" is a mistake. While she is all too aware of the problems she faces daily as a woman, an African-American, and an artist of complete integrity, it is as an Artist that Ms. Marie shines most brightly. If you have not seen her perform live, you are missing an opportunity to experience a breathtaking, heartbreaking, earthshaking adventure unlike any other you have had.
Her voice can sound of honey or whiskey, or even both. Her stage presence can pull focus from the detonation of a nuclear bomb. With Rene Marie on stage, there is never any doubt where your attention will be fixed. Don't be surprised if, after hearing her assay a piece of the Great American Songbook or one of her original compositions, you find yourself shaking, perspiring, flushed and dizzy. Rene Marie can make you think you've got the flu. But her next song will heal you just as surely.
Dazzle, likewise, is an asset that Denver should look to with pride. A lovely, centrally-located, very reasonably priced club, it has recently seen such acts as Jim Hall, Brian Blade, Fred Hersch, Gretchen Parlato, Robert Glasper, and Sachal Vasandani, to name (believe it or not) just a few. Located at 930 Lincoln near the beautiful Central Denver Public Library and the even-more-beautiful Denver Art Museum, it couldn't be situated more perfectly.
Speaking of perfect situations, seeing and hearing Rene Marie perform at Dazzle is at the top of the best of all possible worlds. And Black Lace Freudian Slip is another in a series of glorious musical jewels by this great jazz singer who "sings like a murderer". Pick it up this weekend at Dazzle; call (303)839-5100 for reservations. To find her other albums, go to Twist and Shout, Denver's best independent record store.
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