Last Minute Plans: Three Ellas

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 1, 2011 7:40PM

It’s been fifteen years now since her death, but Ella Fitzgerald lives on through her sensual, effortlessly stunning music. This is thanks in part to projects like Three Ellas, a tribute group comprised of three of the most eminent singers in Chicago’s jazz scene today. Tonight, these ladies will warm up Katerina’s with songs of Ella Fitzgerald.

Local jazz vocalists Frieda Lee, Spider Saloff and Dee Alexander have served as the “three Ellas” for five years, performing shows nationwide in tribute to Fitzgerald. Separately, each of these ladies has her own distinct voice, but together, they embody the heart-turning passion of the First Lady of Song, from her sensual, breathy tones to her pure, rich highs.

The ladies explain their dynamic to the Chicago Tribune, saying that Saloff brings a narrative quality to the music, while Alexander brings scat and “soulful warmth,” and Lee’s voice has a classic Ella feel.

The instrumentation for tonight’s show will be provided by Jeremy Kahn (piano) and Jim Cox (bass). For now, enjoy this video of “Our Love Is Here To Stay” from the last time Three Ellas graced Katerina’s:

Three Ellas takes place tonight at Katerina’s, 1920 W Irving, 8 p.m., $20