Piece Comment

Review of Ann Meets Mr. Ellington


Anne Searcy's dreamy and detailed storytelling transport you to the salty coastal town of Orchard Beach, Maine in the early 30's. Her recollections of meeting Duke Ellington, of becoming a jazz singer in her own right, of being one of the few blacks living among whites are so unsentimental--and so real--that you are left with a solid appreciation for a woman, an era, the power of music. Production wise this piece is excellent. Seed's writing and narration are effective in their simplicity. He also treats the numerous opportunities to use music with discretion?nothing is gratuitous or overdone. This is a perfect piece for ATC or ME. It would be a nice addition to any Duke Ellington tribute. It is no doubt a good choice for Black History Month.