What I liked
Eve “channels” some of the great pianists who created ragtime and early jazz, all of whom were black males. As a result, one might wonder why – and how – a white female can (or even should) impersonate them. This, however, is not Cultural Appropriation by any means: it’s a loving and potent tribute to great artists who, in mainstream America, are almost forgotten.
What I didn't like
I don’t have any substantive suggestions to make with regard to potential improvements, other than I would liked to have even MORE of what Eve was presenting!
My overall impression
A truly stellar show. Eve Elliot is a fabulous pianist, one who plays this genre – ragtime and early jazz – not only with supreme skill, but with a deep understanding of the artists who originally created it. Her storytelling is as impressive as her musicianship (and that’s really saying something!) wherein she talks not only about the specific bios of these groundbreaking musicians, but about the social conditions they endured: While the show contains an abundance of joy and humor, Eve doesn’t shy away from the poverty and racism that these men experienced. Overall, this show is a wonderful example of a deep dive, musically and socially…. poignant and hilarious, two aspects which, as Eve ably demonstrates, are not mutually exclusive!
