In Performance Lady V Thrills The Green Room 42 Crowd
By Don Thomas (Photos: Ronnie Wright)
Tony Award-nominated Singer/Composer/Actress Vivian Reed a/k/a Lady V., recently thrilled an audience of adoring fans, family members, friends (yours truly included), along with recording artists Bow-legged Lou, Freddie Jackson, Meli’sa Morgan, Norma Jean Wright, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning Producer/PR Guru Irene Gandy and Singer/Actress Ernestine Jackson, during her one-night only performance held at The Green Room 42 urban entertainment complex in Manhattan. Stepping center stage wearing a flowing form-fitting black gown, accompanied by a soulful band and three backup singers, red-headed Reed delivered a flawless performance that captured the crowd for more than two hours. Prior to belting out, Reed announced jokingly, “If you came to hear me sing Lena Horne, not tonight honey! I’ve got a brand new show for you,” and she was not playing. She opened her mouth and out-poured an upbeat rendition of “Higher Ground/Hold On,” that brought the crowd to it’s feet swaying back and fourth with heavy hand-clapping. From that point on Vivian had the crowd’s undivided attention as she effortlessly continued to rock to house with arrangements of soul, pop, jazz and gospel. And as Reed delivered a show-stopping medley of “Get Here If You Can,” “Hello,” “Baby Need Your Lovin,’” and “Wind Beneath My Wings” you could hear a pin drop, as the mesmerized patrons hung onto her every word. She also received several standing ovations following her sultry versions of “I Put A Spell On You,” “Roll With It Baby,” and “Let It Be Me.” However, with all of her powerful musical prowess, the highlight of Reed’s performance happened when she introduced special guest Classical Singer Samantha McElhaney, as together they delivered an awesome rendition of “Blues For Two Women.” And in true Vivian Reed style she concluded the show with her signature song “God Bless The Child.”
Vivian belts out an awesome rendition of “Blues For Two Woman” with Classical Singer Samantha McElhaney (left) She also greeted NYB’s Don Thomas during after show meet and greet