Release Of Previously Unknown Live Performance By Dorothy Donegan

The music on this CD Dorothy Donegan Live at the King of France Tavern, is being released for the very first time. It was recorded live at the King Of France Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland in 1978. Bassist Bill Nelson and drummer Bill Reichenbach, two sidemen who were well aware that they had to be very alert when playing with the unique pianist, join Donegan.

This King Of France Tavern performance is full of life, giving today’s listeners a strong sampling of how Dorothy Donegan sounded at the peak of her powers. 56 at the time, she begins the first song by quoting from Dizzy Gillespie’s “Manteca” before playing “The Look of Love.” It evolves into a hard-swinging blues in which she purposely emulates Erroll Garner for a period. —Scott Yanow