Cheryl Conley

“Pop/jazz music is often a short love story put to music, like a mini opera. And my love of short stories carries me into my love for those Mini Operas. I discovered a musical story teller last night performing at the Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. I did not expect to see the luxurious sumptuous ambiance of this 'Bar & Grill' interior, and I was not expecting the show that was to follow. Manuel, the man in charge of the bistro, placed me at the table next to a slim beauty who turned out to be the star of the show, Cheryl Conley. Yes, the story well told is always a treat, but a mini opera well delivered can be a masterpiece in motion. Her slim body rippled with rhythm, with sounds that thrilled and ran a roller coaster of emotions. Cheryl's rendering of, 'First of September' ended with a soft pathos that caused my eyes to get misty. That Lady Cheryl held the rapt attention of that large room packed with Cheryl Fans for a mesmerizing two hour performance. And the Standing Ovation was well merited when Cheryl sang her last encore 'Night in Tunisia' with her Shibing half of the song with an improvisation that ran the range of a melodious symphony...I'm coming back. CHERYL'S QUARTET Jim Szilagyi piano, Donnell Lambert Bass, Chuck Manning Sax, Newell Canfield Drums. CHERYL'S REPERTOIRE What A Difference A Day Makes, Summertime, Close Your Eyes, Old Devil Moon, God Bless The Child, Afro Blue, Lullaby of Birdland, Until It's Time For You To Go, Morning, The Late Late Show, First of September(original composition) Fever, Black Coffee, My Romance, Wild Women Never Get the Blues, Night In Tunisia” - Joe Lanza