Pearl’s Rollin’ With The Blues
It's rare in the theater world to get a night where you can relax, unwind and enjoy some good ole blues. Listening to the distinct somber tone that incorporates gospel spirituals sharing the pains of life with the joys of music from greats like B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Ma Rainey.
If you love blues songs, then Writers Theatre's Pearl's Rollin' With The Blues: A Night With Felicia P. Fields is a dazzling Wang Dang Doodle of a night you don't want to miss. Created by Fields and Ron OJ Parson, Pearl's Rollin' With The Blues features the incomparable Tony Award nominee Felicia P. Fields. Fields bring that electricizing deep hometown soul of gospel and blues that is so soothing; you want to listen all night. Fields, who is in her element singing the blues, is sensational in everything she does; and returns to Writers after her outstanding performance as Ma Rainey, Big Mama Thornton, considered "The Mother of the Blues," in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Her raspy voice and true-life stories that reach into the depths of the blues tell the trials and tribulations about how living the life of a woman of color survived the stigmatization of being black.
In Pearl's Rollin' With The Blues, singing the Blues is what Pearl was born to do. As musicians swap stories and belt out the Blues, they provide the audience with 90 minutes of joyful blues, sharing how it has shaped her life. Fields playfully collaborate with the guest, and if you are fortunate enough to get a table seat, get ready to be a part of the show.
“Where it’s been, where it is, and where it wants to be” ”
Fields share the songs with Chic Street Man. Chic, whose first recording album was in 1975, Paris France, teaches about the "choking" guitar strings on the neck or applying a metal slide to the guitar strings to create a whining voicelike sound. Chic, a cancer survivor, provides a meaningful message in his music about racism, hatred (Skin Deep, Death Letter), self-love (Beautiful), and learning to accept each other.
Fields and Chic sing most of the 21 songs, including Wang Dang Doodle, They Call Me Big Pearl, You Can Have My Husband, and Blues Is All Right; however, it's the combination of singing and the exceptional musicians that make it a memorable night.
The conductor of this incredible ensemble is Frank Menzies. Menzies, who currently is a teacher at Westside Leadership Academy, masterfully brings in the music of the blues through the keyboard. Ricardo Jimenez is a vocalist who plays the Harp and Percussion; however, in Pearl's Rollin' With the Blues, he played the horn and nailed that soulful blues sound. Jimenez, who has mentioned that the trumpet has helped him socially with school and his connection with friends, enjoys growing with others through music. And rounding off the crew is Harold Morrison, making his musical debut at Writers and world renown, bassist, song stylist, and writer Julie Poncé.
Although the emotions of blues are generally associated with sadness, hard times, and problems with love, the blues is about expressing feelings - something you can feel - a sensual touch in the words and the music. It's felt through the spiritual connection of the blues. You are tapping your feet or slowly tapping to the table beat with your head swaying.
As a child, I grew up listening to the blues. I can still see myself in the basement with Uncle Jimmy (Mr. Preston), spending hours listening to the sweet sound of jazz and blues. Fields, with the amazing musical group of Chic Street Man, Ricardo Jimenez, Frank Menzies, Harold Morrison, and Julie Poncé, only want to share the pleasures one can receive singing and playing the blues. And Pearl's Rollin' With The Blues will do just that.
Let's Play Theatrical Review, Highly Recommends, Pearl's Rollin' With The Blues: A Night With Felicia P. Fields at Writers Theatre.
Writers Theater
Pearl's Rollin' With The Blues: A Night With Felicia P. Fields
Created by Felicia P. Fields and Ron OJ Parson
Directed by Ron OJ Parson
JUNE 23 - JULY 24, 2022
