Ursula Walker & Buddy Budson at KCH Backlot
The veteran duo of vocalist Ursula Walker and pianist Buddy Budson gave a memorable performance July 25 at Kerrytown Concert House’s latest venture: The Lot Lounge in their parking lot on the back of the building. It was perfect entertainment on a beautiful summer night with comfortable temperatures. The sound was good, and you could get drinks on the side of the house if you so desired.
Walker and Budson were joined by bassist Paul Keller and drummer Dave Taylor to form a tight group. Walker reminisced about their first performance in Ann Arbor at the fabled Del Rio Bar, which had a won derful Sunday afternoon series. After this she opened with “All of You” and “The Island” (Ivan Lins) that she recalls singing with Detroit’s George Benson. Other standards for the evening were “Say it Over and Over Again,” Ellington’s “Prelude to a Kiss,” “Close Enough for Love,” and “My Funny Valentine.” More unique to Budson and Walker were a couple of instrumentals with lyrics: Monk’s “Bye-Ya” (lyrics by Ursula and Buddy); Clifford Brown’s “Joy Spring” (lyrics by Jon Hendricks); and Wayne Shorter’s “Footprints” (lyrics by Ursula). Budson’s tasteful solos throughout were a joy to hear and Keller was given a substantial amount of solo space, whereas Taylor showed his stuff on “Bye-Ya.”
A wonderful evening of live music in a great new setting!