It was, indeed, an evening filled with extraordinary music and wonderful
memories of Franz when Judi K brought her act to the Wood Fire in
Dowagiac, MI on November 6, 2011!
Backed by Jim Pickley on piano, Darrel Tidaback on bass and Billy "Stix" Nicks on drums, Judi gave the enthusiastic audience a varied songbook of standards and swing tunes. Starting the evening off with one of Franz's favorite kick-off's "Sunny Side of the Street", Judi threw in her own little glitz by sprinkling gold dust at her feet as she sang that line and then ended the tune with Franz's signature line "walkin' along with my big flat feet". And the fun rolled on from there!
Judi held down every set and had the audience on their feet by the end of the night. The trio of outstanding musicians backing her had opportunity to show their stuff on a couple instrumentals including the obvious ode to Franz, his signature tune,"What a Wonderful World". Jim, Darrel and Billy performed so effortlessly and honestly, there was no mistaking the homage to Franz.
From "Lover Man", to "Cabaret" to "I Wish You Love" (with a sexy bossa nova rhythm laid down by Billy's perfect hand drumming), Judi cativated the audience the entire night. Jim Ruggles, who knew Franz and was his go-to guy for instrument repair, brought along his tenor sax and at in for a few tunes.
Thank you also to Larry Seurynck and the wonderful staff at the Wood Fire for their support and always impeccable service!
A Little About Judi
Named in the swing category of the jazz history book “Jazz Singers, The Top 500” by jazz historian Scott Yanow, Judi K has made a name for herself among the best in her profession. Having been the featured singer with notable musicians such as the late Jethro Burns, the Dick Kress Swing Orchestra, the Jerry King Orchestra, and Jim Beebe’s Chicago Jazz, Judi has honed her vocal skills in a number of diverse settings. She sings the gamut from vaudeville to standards with the finesse only a seasoned professional can offer.
Judi has recorded for Delmark Records (Chicago) and Jazzology (New Orleans) and has two acclaimed CDs available - "It's Been a Long, Long Time" (Jazzology) and "I'm Nobody's Baby" (Delmark). She is also featured on Delmark's "Sultry Serenade" and has her own record label that features an original song about her home state of Wisconsin. She has performed at Orchestra Hall as well as many jazz festivals throughout the country, had her own radio show on Sunny WSSY 1330 AM and is a frequent guest on Wisconsin Public Radio.
Judi and Franz had a long history together, performing with each other in various groups and settings off and on for nearly 20 years. She was on hand to honor Franz at his 95th birthday gala concert in Dowagiac in November, 2007 and she was thrilled to be back to pay tribute to him this year with her own show.
