BELLA DONNA
BELLA DONNA
The Ozarks And A Bit Of Heaven
Gypsy Jazz Soothes The Soul
If Bella Donna Is A Poison
Count Me In
by sydney m conover
If I had a vice it would be Bella Donna. It’s soothing, creates a delirium, has sweet berries with purple flowers, and it’s a natural medicinal herb. What more could a hippie ask for! Notice I do not ask this as a question. It is an exclamation because I know how prefect this combination is and it grows in the wild. Wrap that in one neat little package with some beyond awesome musical talent and you’ll have an evening you will not soon forget.
With that said, what do the Ozarks and heaven have in common? Let me give you a hint, in Italian it means “beautiful woman.” Ding, ding ... time is up, I couldn’t hear you, and my excitement overcomes me. I have to shout out the answer since I can barely contain myself. Why it’s Bella Donna Band. Straight out of the Ozarks and as close to heaven as one’s ears can get this band is solid and magical. Reading “The Low Down” on their website let me know exactly where that magic comes from.
As it happens on September 14, 2013, my friends and I had the pleasure of accidentally stumbling upon this trio (they were sans their drummer) at the New Delhi Cafe in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The cafe is a favourite hang out of ours because of the caliber of musicians that frequent it. The atmosphere is ripe with eclectic personalities, an outdoor stage, and the history of the Ozarks. It’s a beautiful mood setting space and never lets us down.
Before the start of their gig we overheard a waitress describing Bella Donna’s music to some patrons at the next table. She likened the lead singer to Norah Jones and assured them the band was good. Immediately we were certain if that was the case we would enjoy the band. Anxiously we sat ourselves and ordered a round of beverages (yes, the alcohol type). Our conversation spun as we watched the band set up the stage. They were unassuming, a bit reserved, and quiet as they moved about. The female members appearance and demeanor made me think of Natalie Merchant. She wore a peasant type dress with a white lace lapel and a wide brimmed black hat. Tall and slender, she did not give hint at the powerhouse of a voice she carries with her.
It was like a lullaby for adults and I became lost in that cloud that consumes you, when your ears are filled with music so splendid. The gentlemen in the band commanded their instruments like a sculptor does their clay. Molding, shaping, and guiding with the spirit of a master. And the singer, Liz, well she melted my music loving heart. Right there amongst the mountains and for the world to see I was transported to the days of the prohibition. “Gyspy Jazz” just as their website claims their guitarist lives and breathes.
When I was a teenager in the 70‘s, my parents used to take us to a club in New York City called the Gaslight Club. It was a private club with many levels and one of the few remaining 1920‘s era Speakeasies (The O’Hare location is the only remaining one). It had seen the likes of Jimmy the Greek and Tom Jones. It was not a place that many children were privileged to attend, so I consider myself rather lucky for the experience. Other than the dining room my favourite floor was the one with the Prohibition Room. The most secret floor of all. You could only enter with a password that was discreetly given to members the staff had taken a liking to. I would also supposed it went to the heavier tippers which my father always was.
Anywho, I remember entering it by way of a smokey stair well and people would silently pass. Upon your arrival you had to knock on the locked and closed door. Then a little wicket door would open and a man would peer out. Without hesitation my father would divulge that secret set of words that would always gain us access. Once inside we would sit at small wooden round tables with generic table coverings. The air was heavy with cigar smoke and the floor covered with sawdust and peanut shells. We would be given miniature wooden sticks with hard coloured balls on the ends to tap on the table with the beat of the music. Music which was most always Jazz. Alcohol was served in plain white coffee mugs, peanuts were abundant to snack on, and the singers and waitresses were dressed as flappers.
I swear on this night in September of the year 2013 I was teleported right back to that safe musical haven I intensely loved being in. In the heart of New York City in the midst of that simulated Prohibition era at the Gas Light Club. I nearly had to pinch myself. Though I chose not to for fear the moment would end. It wasn’t until darkness fell upon us and we sipped the last of our drinks as we claimed our respective checks that I came back down. Reality snuck its way in and I was so very pleased that it was not just a jump back in time. That my hears had truly found a band that can fill the shoes of some of the greats from that era. Bella Donna Band is a treasure and a throwback in time that I sincerely urge all to experience.
Bella Donna Band’s covers take on a life of their own. Especially Belleville Rendezvous and St. Louis Blues. If you love Rickie Lee Jones, Natalie Merchant, Norah Jones, or Edith Piaf you will, I promise, love Bella Donna Band. They will be back in Eureka Springs at the New Delhi Cafe on Friday, November 1, 2013.
Update: Bella Donna now performs as a solo act called Izabel Crane.