Photos and review by HARRIET KAPLAN
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – The Sun Rose in West Hollywood, CA, is a wonderful, intimate club that is small yet somehow spacious and airy, dotted with chairs, tables and cozy booths to watch live music.
The menu has all kinds of drinks and cocktails, some of which are David Bowie-themed. It also includes a meat and cheese platter, cheesecake, and a selection of macarons.
While the menu at Sun Rose has tasty treats, the main treat of the night this past Saturday was seeing the jazz and classically trained pianist Mike Garson, who famously worked with David Bowie and the “Who’s Who” of contemporary bands and artists in various genres.
His front person is Judith Hill, the phenomenal and gifted singer-songwriter known for providing backing vocals for such artists as Prince, Michael Jackson and many more. In fact, Prince produced her debut album, “Back In Time.”
Hill is a scintillating live performer. This reviewer saw her play guitar and sing, wowing the audience at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads event in 2023.
Hill’s prolific career includes releasing own her edgy music and deeply personal material which is a blend of R&B, funk, soul and rock.
The eclectic and versatile show at the Sun Rose showcased jazz standards (“Nature Boy”), some Broadway tunes (a song from “The King and I”) and David Bowie (“Fame” and “Lady Stardust”) Both artists were accompanied by a stellar ensemble of musicians on standup and electric bass, guitars and drums.
The rapport between Garson and Hill was loose and fun. He spoke about how she has become part of the Bowie alums performing at tributes for the seminal and groundbreaking artist and innovator. The dynamic set closed with a rousing cover of “Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
Listen to Judith Hill here:
