Primary Instrument: Vocal
Is this jazz, folk, or comedy? Performer (and “Uke-Diva”) Melissa Dinwiddie is a winning combination of all three. Interactive music and comedy… with a ukulele.
Remember the girl next door? You know the one, the bookworm who kept you on your toes with her quick wit and smart alecky sense of humor. That one. Whatever happened to her, you might be asking yourself. I’ll tell you what happened: she grew up and traded in her teddy bears, roller skates and skinned knees for an evening gown, a microphone… and a ukulele. Melissa Dinwiddie is still keeping you on your toes, but now it’s to a melody line.
Inspired by the absurdities of modern life, Dinwiddie crafts songs evocative of the Great American Songbook but dealing with 21st Century themes. She has an ear for a witty turn of phrase, and her vocal chops and improvisational comic timing delight audiences of all ages. She’s not limited to laughs, though. With her years of training as a jazz vocalist, and a repertoire of classic tunes in addition to her originals, Dinwiddie deftly covers the emotional spectrum. (Keep your tissues handy.) You never knew the girl next door could sing like this, did you?
The San Jose Mercury News called Dinwiddie’s latest CD, Online Dating Blues, “a sassy session featuring sharply observed originals.” She’s best experienced in person, though, where her skill with an audience really shines. Melissa Dinwiddie is one artist who understands that, although the trappings have changed, the kid next door still lives on in each of us. The difference now is that we get to dress up for real, drive a stick shift, drink champagne, and all that other fun stuff that comes with growing up.
Online Dating Blues
Self-Produced
2009
Tracks: Online Dating Blues, I Need A Vacation, Geary Street, He's Just Not That Into You, Married Men, Geary Street (Solo).
Personnel: Melissa Dinwiddie: Vocals; Jake Smolowe: Piano; Doug Lee: Bass; John Lazarus: Drums.
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