Sandra Reaves-Phillips

Date: Sun, 26 Feb 2006 10:08:03 -0800 (PST)
From: Graham McDougall
<
gmcdougallus@yahoo.com>
Subject: Sandra ReAves-Phillips in Austin

In lieu of an official published review, I wanted
to share a few thoughts about a recent cabaret show in Austin, TX.

For two nights last week Austin was treated to
the sounds of Blues Diva, Sandra ReAves-Phillips. I had not heard of
this brassy and belting Diva until I saw her on Friday evening at
the new venue of Austin Cabaret Theatre -- the Mansion at Judges'
Hill near the University of Texas Campus. Dinner beforehand is optional.

The show was explosive! People were rocking and dancing. The show
entitled ME, MYSELF... & YOU was primarily a gospel and blues experience.

Her show revolved and commerated through songs
the late Great Ladies of Blues and Jazz. She sang tunes made famous by
Ma Rainey, Bessie, Ethel, Josephine, Mahalia, Billie, and Dinah.

She channeled Lady Day and Louis Armstrong, so that if you closed
your eyes, you would swear that these two greats were performing on
stage during segments of the evening. Throughout the evening, she
would began speaking French and giggle about
topics not known to us who do not speak the language.

Sandra is proud of the role she played in the original French
production at the Chatlet Theatre in Paris where
she co-starred in Black and Blue. This seems to be the only
commercial CD available, although it is unavailable on Amazon.

Her finale included the theme song "Lean On Me"
from the movie of the same title in which she sang.

Graham McDougall