Two powerful singers come together to pay homage to songwriter & music legend, Joni Mitchell, in a full band concert event at BLU! Featuring Joanna Wallfisch, Gretchen Pleuss, Philip Anderson Trio.
Backed by the sounds of the Philip Anderson Trio and joined by a few special guests, sensational vocalists Joanna Wallfisch (London/NYC) and Gretchen Pleuss (NE Ohio) will perform some of their Joni favorites as well as their own originals inspired by the legendary songstress.
Expect familiar classics with new interpretations as we usher in the next generation of Joni fans – all in celebration of one of music’s most influential artists! Don’t miss your chance to experience “Joni Mitchell: Reimagined" live at BLU – get your tickets today!
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JOANNA WALLFISCH
Hailed by pianist Fred Hersch as “a real discovery—a first-rate musician in every way,” British vocalist / composer Joanna Wallfisch has built an impressive profile since her move to New York from London in 2012. She has emerged as an important voice, combining “the intimate purview of a singer-songwriter with the technical liberties of a jazz improviser” (Steve Smith, The Boston Globe). Underlying that voice is a composer who explores fresh aesthetics while highlighting her playfulness and fruitful imagination.
Her third record, Gardens In My Mind, released on July 22, 2016, on Sunnyside Records, features pianist Dan Tepfer on piano and the award-winning classical string ensemble The Sacconi Quartet. Showcasing Joanna’s pure vocals and poetic lyrics, she weaves together singer-songwriter, folk, jazz, contemporary and indie pop music using her lush string arrangements and Tepfer’s inimitable pianistic talents.
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GRETCHEN PLEUSS
As with some of her proudly stated musical heroes, which include Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, and Ani Difranco, Pleuss keeps the music above the standard, three-chord, coffee-house troubadour sound with some cool chord progressions (a la Mitchell) and grooves underneath layered vocal harmonies. Pleuss also trusts her lilting melodies enough to use her quiet, emotive alto to sell her lyrics (i.e. there’s not a log of manic melisma trying to tear your eardrums off).” – Malcolm X Abram, The Akron Beacon Journal
To date, Pleuss has played at an array of venues throughout the United States, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Peru, and Ecuador.Gretchen’s discography includes two E.P.’s and two full-length albums. Her 2013 release, Out of Dreams, was produced by Jim Wirt and can be downloaded from Itunes. Her most recent release, From Birth to Breath to Bone, was self-produced and is available on vinyl or compact disc.
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PHILIP ANDERSON TRIO
Working as an arranger, composer, producer, teacher, pianist, vocalist, videographer… Anderson keeps busy. In addition to performing and teaching in “real life,” Philip is a core member of Quincy Jones’ online piano lesson company, Playground Sessions, where he arranges lessons and produces YouTube videos. Anderson plays with several prominent musical voices in the midwest region, including Wesley Bright & the Honeytones from NE Ohio and Bassel & the Supernaturals from Chicago. He also leads his own band from right here in Akron, bluelight. The Philip Anderson Trio includes Matthew DeRubertis on bass and Holbrook Riles III on drums — also the rhythm section for bluelight. Together, they’re a rhythm section that has refined its close connection — both on and off stage — for over 10 years and counting.
Matthew DeRubertis is a bassist, yoga instructor and most importantly, a real human, residing in North East Ohio. He maintains an active and diverse performance and educational career touring, recording, and teaching in private music studios. His passion for original music is undeniable as he plays electric and upright bass in a wide array of original groups. You can hear him currently playing live and on recordings with Wesley Bright & The Honeytones, The Admirables (funk/soul), Ahi – nama (salsa, latin jazz), Moustache Yourself (1930’s Gypsy Jazz), Bluelight (modern jazz/R&B), and Thaddeus Anna Greene (blues rock). He has appeared on 40+ recordings including Son Lux’s At War with Walls and Mazes.
Holbrook is a native of Mansfield, OH. He started playing drums at age 9. Later on, he attended the University of Akron, OH for 5 years, with a concentration in Music Performance. There, Holbrook’s musical palette began to widen, being exposed to different musical genres such as classical, world, contemporary, jazz, and fusion. While at Akron, he’s had the opportunity to play with world class musicians like Andy Narell, Tony Lindsay, Allen Vizzuti, Adam Rogers, Jiggs Wigham, Michael Spiro, and Bernard Woma. After leaving Akron in 2010, Holbrook has traveled the globe playing with Royal Caribbean ships, and The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. Currently, he is employed 6 months out the year playing drums in a 6 piece Dixieland band on the American Queen Steamboat. When residing in Akron, Holbrook teaches drum lessons, and plays with local groups; Bluelight, Operations, The Michael Vincent Quintet, and other various groups.
