Click to watch Eisa's performance of "What's Left" at Symphony Space

Recently at Symphony Space, Eisa Davis literally lit up the stage with her golden dress and her shining personality, during a preview of Flowers Are Sleeping.  She radiated a joy and an enthusiasm that entertainers seem to have lost in recent years.  Her informality with the other performers, Charles Burnham playing the violin, Chris Eddleton beating his drums, bassist and cello player Keith Witty, and Jon Spurney playing the guitar and keyboard, and the audience created a positive and friendly vibe in the theater.

Not only was she a pleasure to watch, but she performed beautifully.  Her songs really spoke to me; they all seemed to address the way people interact with each other which I find fascinating.  Davis’s songs were very jazzy, but managed to incorporate very difficult words.  In fact one of her songs was titled, “Invariably,” and she managed to use this word frequently in this song without sounding silly.  Along with her excellent voice, Davis invited a variety of singers come and perform with her, like vocalist Rebecca Naomi Jones and Kelly McCreary, which really added to the friendly and light hearted atmosphere.  Along with the guest vocalist, there was a surprise dance performance which shocked everyone in the audience.

The only one hiccup was the somewhat silly question and answer session with Davis which replaced the intermission.  Laura Comminsky, the director of the theater, initiated the session and was talking about Davis’s next piece, “Flowers Are Sleeping”.  Comminsky asked Davis if she would write a musical that captured the feelings of the Harlem Renaissance.  The Q and A would have been fine, but it seemed to drag on.  Half way through all I wanted was to hear Davis perform.

Things improved in the show when the second half started.  She talked about her new show a little more in depth.  Davis explained what she had written and how the songs she played would fit into the musical.  She explained how her passion for the Harlem Renaissance helped her write her new piece.  Her own passion for this time period sparked an interest in me and I started researching the Renaissance as soon as I could.

Davis’s stellar performing and the joyous feeling she aroused in the audience had really made this show an excellent experience.  As soon as the show was done I bought an album.  I cannot wait to see the finished performance of “Flowers Are Sleeping.”

A few inspiring words on how Eisa Davis was Born to To Do It All: