Lady Day Reimagined: Stella Heath’s Jazz Story

Episode Summary:
In this episode, host Steve Roby welcomes singer Stella Heath for an intimate look at the Billie Holiday Project—a heartfelt tribute to Lady Day’s music and legacy. Ahead of her performances at SF Jazz, Stella shares her journey from a musically rich upbringing in Petaluma, California, to her deep dive into jazz and acting, and how these experiences shape her storytelling on stage.

Key Topics & Highlights:

• Stella’s early musical influences included Louis Armstrong, Edith Piaf, and her mother’s eclectic taste.
• The impact of classical training and acting (including Shakespeare) on her jazz phrasing and storytelling.
• The origins and inspiration behind the Billie Holiday Project, focusing on Billie’s emotional depth and social impact, especially through songs like “Strange Fruit.”
• Live performances from the Billie Holiday Project, including “No Regrets” and “I’ll Be Seeing You.”
• Stella’s approach to interpreting Billie Holiday’s phrasing—balancing homage with her own voice.
• Insights into “back phrasing” and how Billie Holiday reshaped melodies.
• The band lineup for the SF Jazz shows, featuring musicians like Neil Angelo Fontano (piano), Robbie Elman (reeds), Daniel Fabricant (bass), Spike Klein (drums), Ian Sheer (guitar), and guest trumpeter Justin.
• What audiences can expect at the live shows: a mix of classic and lesser-known 1930s tunes, narrative arcs, and a unique setlist for each performance.

Show Details:
The Billie Holiday Project with the Stella Heath Sextet comes to SF Jazz’s Joe Henderson Lab:

• Saturday, September 6th: 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM
• Sunday, September 7th: 6:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  For tickets and more information, visit sfjazz.org.

Connect with Stella Heath:
Website: stellaheathmusic.com

Listen & Subscribe:
Find this episode, past conversations, and show notes (including ticket links) wherever you get your podcasts.

Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you at the show!