WAX ON | Billie Holiday

The revolutionary records and iconic artists that shaped jazz.

WAX ON is both a listening party, placing the needle in the groove of a collection of favourite jazz albums, as well as an intimate space for story-telling and reflections.

The September WAX ON event will focus on the life and music of jazz vocalist Billie Holiday.

Billie Holiday (born Eleanora Fagan) grew up in jazz talent-rich Baltimore in the 1920s, but made her true singing debut in obscure Harlem nightclubs as a teenager, borrowing her professional name – Billie Holiday – from screen star Billie Dove. Although she never underwent any technical training and never even so much as learned how to read music, Holiday quickly became an active participant in what was then one of the most vibrant jazz scenes in the country.

By age 18, Holiday was spotted by John Hammond and cut her first record as part of a studio group led by Benny Goodman, who was then just on the verge of public prominence. In 1935, Holiday's career got a big push when she recorded four sides that went on to become hits, including What a Little Moonlight Can Do and Miss Brown to You. This landed her a recording contract of her own and then, until 1942, she recorded a number of master tracks that would ultimately become an important building block of early American jazz music.

Despite her lack of technical training, Holiday's unique diction, inimitable phrasing and acute dramatic intensity made her one of the most iconic jazz singers of her day. Her soulful, unique singing voice and her ability to boldly turn any material into her own unique sound made her a superstar of her time. Holiday's poignant voice is still considered to be one of the greatest jazz voices of all time.

Moderated by Irish Times music critic Cormac Larkin, with a panel of jazz aficionados, WAX ON brings the audience on an intimate journey through the life and recordings of some of the most influential and important artists of the jazz genre.

Venue: The Vintage Room upstairs in The Workman's Club, Dublin.
Doors: at 6.30pm for 7pm start
Tickets: €11.20 online | €12 on the door