Last Tuesday night we drove up to Georgetown to see Paulien perform at Blues Alley.
She opened the Dutch Jazz series that continued on each evening that week.
On that Tuesday night the air outside was COLD and wintry but the inside of the club was dark, warm, crowded, buzzing before she took to the stage.
The club was sold out and the only seats we could claim were barstools. All around the room, small tables were lit by votives and crowded with dinner plates and glasses of wine and elbows. Spirits were high.
You could hear chatter: English, Dutch, and then... jazz.
Paulien is a beautiful singer and the band supported her vocals perfectly.
My favorite song was Ne Me Quitte Pas; she sang verses in French, Dutch, and English. Haunting.
Gerard, Paulien's husband, took over the piano for the last song.
Then we stepped out of the warmth, away from the luxury of rich sound, and into the cold bite of a January night. Back in the car, back down the highway, back to work in the morning.
But what a treat. And on a school night!
kind of reminds me of when we went to see Norah Jones in Paris....
Posted by: Ellie | January 21, 2010 at 02:31 PM
someone new for me to know. never heard of her, but want to know more. she should hire you to take publicity photos - speaking of which, have you seen the Honeydewdrops new CD? Your photos are all over it and they credit you - it looks fantastic! I'd love to see/read a blog from you about them and their new CD.
Posted by: annie f. | January 22, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Just realized that she is one of Field School's parents! Have I missed a performance in C'ville?
Posted by: annie f. | January 22, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Annie F.,
Yes, Paulien has played a set at the last two Field School benefit auctions in the spring. You'll have to stay to the end next time!
I haven't seen the Honey Dewdrops album, but I have seen the pictures on their website. They seem to be doing great. So happy for them!
Posted by: Meredith | January 23, 2010 at 03:04 PM