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At Last: A Tribute to Etta James
Produced, written and directed by Jackie Taylor
Musical Direction by Robert Reddick
At Black Ensemble Theater
4520 N. Beacon
Chicago, IL
Call 773-769-4451, tickets $35
Friday & Saturday at 8 PM
Sunday at 3 PM
Running time 2hrs, 10 min with Intermission
Limited open run
So silky smooth, so bluesy, so wonderful!
I never really understood what “soul” was or meant until I heard Etta James sing. She is the smoothest blues artist with a large dose of emotion that penetrates into your soul. I’m starting to understand the essence of the blues. Etta James marks a path. In Jackie Taylor’s song feast which is a tribute to a little known (outside the Black community) blues singer who is an R & B, jazz, country, folk, pop and rock artist whose silky smooth style is infectious.
Featuring 25 varied songs sung by the five ladies playing each of Etta’s personas, this show is rich in amazingly emotional numbers. From songs like “If I Can’t Have You” to “Something’s Got A Hold on Me” to “In The Basement,” the tribute captures the magic of Jamesetta Hawkins (1938 - ) who gained notoriety as a child gospel singer. She became a star at age 14 with “Roll with Me Henry, “ a Rhythm and Blues song which was an ‘answer song to Hank Ballard’s “Work with me Annie.”
Jackie Taylor points out that the show isn’t a bio or a book show; rather it is a tribute to the spirit of Etta James who overcomes adversity (drugs, abusive men and booze). James is a survivor whose struggles are amplified in her music. Songs like “Fool That I Am,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Don’t Blame Me” are filled with her angst. 
We are treated to 5 marvelous ‘Etta’s,’ France Jean-Baptiste, Desla Epison, Dawn Mitchell, Carrie and Melanie McCullough. Just when I was thrilled by one of these talents, another stepped into the spotlight and nailed her number. This continued until it was obvious that each marveled in a particular Etta James style from toe-tapping R & B, to country to gospel to smooth jazz to torch songs with Etta’s heart-wrenching blues being featured. Jackie Taylor had fun with us by having Rueben D. Echoles narrate in full drag. She was a shear delight!
Etta James’ songs are captured in this song feat—if she wonders into Black Ensemble Theater—she’ll be delighted.
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com
May 1, 2005
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