MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026
Derry Jazz Fest 2026:
Lady Day - A Celebration Of
Billie Holiday
Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography
The intimate and easy-going atmosphere of Derry-Londonderry's Playhouse Theatre is an ideal setting for what turns out to be a refreshing, energising and on the whole rather delectable tribute to legendary jazz and swing performer Billie Holiday. Otherwise known as "Lady Day", this famous lady has her May day, or evening, or night - take your pick – courtesy of the consummately charming lead vocals of Camille Rose and the strong backing band of saxophonists Micheal Murray & Riley Stone-Lonergan, pianist John Leighton, double bassist Lorenzo Morabito, guitarist Joseph Leighton and drummer Gene Calderazzo, with the special guests of vocalist Sylvie Noble and drummer Andrew McCoubrey popping up later in the evening.
Opening with "It's Too Hot For Words", Rose and her fellow musicians waste no second in becoming a dependable presence. There is something effortlessly, enthusiastically infectious about not only Rose's vocals but also her seemingly carefree stage persona, that of a toe-tapping, colourful soul who seems to imbue every other performer with a more relaxed and confident edge. Further numbers such as "God Bless The Child", "Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans" and "Carelessly" continue and broaden this approach, with solos from Stone-Lonergan and Joseph Leighton the stand outs during a sometimes vivacious, sometimes poignant but always varied first half.
The variety and vibrancy continue into the second half. Noble's versatile vocalism, so well exhibited in her set at this very venue the night before, is once again marvellously expressed, both in the likes of "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and a sublime harmonious duet with Rose further down the line. The tonal transitions between gentle moments such as "Body And Soul" and the louder, more forceful highlights like a drum solo from McCoubrey are adept, a strong sign of a musical story well told. Ideal as an introduction to Holiday's music for newbies and as a re-introduction for fans, Lady Day - the concert, that is - visibly succeeds in casting its own spell over the packed Playhouse audience. It's a sign that the communal charm and class of the City Of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival has been very well captured indeed.
Simon Fallaha
Lady Day: A Celebration Of Billie Holiday took place at Derry-Londonderry's Playhouse Theatre on Saturday May 2 as part of the City Of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival #DerryJazzFest 2026. For more information about what's on at the festival, click here.