Tagged: iris williams
Welsh Diva Iris Williams returns to New york with her debut at the Beach Cafe on September 8 2018
By , 2018-08-01
Welsh Diva Iris Williams returns to New York with debut at the Beach Café on
September 8, 2018
New York, NY – August 01 – International song stylist Iris Williams returns to the New York cabaret scene in a solo performance in her debut at The Beach Cafe located on New York’s Upper East Side. During Ms. Williams’ set, themed “Let the music begin” she will interpret classic American standards and other favorites. September 8 at 8.15pm. A second appearance at the same venue will be made on October 13. Cabaret — The Beach Cafe .
Ms. Williams will also be appearing at the Cabaret Convention in New York on October 12 -
The 29th New York Cabaret Convention .
In October 2015, Candace Leeds of Cabaret Scenes declared, “The stately Welsh singer, Iris Williams, made her Birdland debut …, performing to an enthusiastic sold-out house. With her low-key charm, elegant presence, and lovely, deep-throated contralto voice, she truly inhabited each of her songs. She had the audience in the palm of her hand throughout the show.”
Reviewing her performance at The Metropolitan Club in 2013, Joe Regan, Jr said, “Iris Williams has lost not a bit of her voice which was championed by Stephen Holden (“…one of the most striking voices in all of cabaret.”) and Rex Reed (“You owe it to yourself to see this great lady: Impeccable taste and elegant phrasing.”) The vivacious and elegant chanteuse always performs with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Rob Lester dubbed her voice ‘warm brandy’ and called her “The Halley’s Comet of cabaret.” Jeffrey Bruce for Cabaret Scenes, said after a recent concert in Boca Raton, ‘this woman is a star, in the truest sense of the word. Catch her if you can! .
Ms. Williams is a favorite of Presidents and Royalty. Her classical training, exceptional talent and rich, warm contralto impelled her beyond her beloved native Wales and helped Iris to thrive when her honest and touching rendition of “He Was Beautiful” went gold and launched her international career.
Iris says of her love of cabaret, “I am very drawn – musically, and especially lyrically - to The American Songbook. I relish interpreting these lyrics with their compelling stories of love, sadness, happiness, and loss so that my audiences can connect on a personal level with the meaning of the lyrics behind the music. I also enjoy keeping things fresh by exploring different interpretations at each performance .”
Now based in California, the much-loved songstress was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II for her musical accomplishments and her work with charity, Iris Williams has performed with Bob Hope and Rosemary Clooney, for President Gerald Ford, the British Royal Family and has at The Algonquin’s iconic Oak Room, The Metropolitan Room and NYC’s landmark Birdland Jazz Club as well as Catalina’s in Los Angeles and the Purple Plume in Palm Springs. Catch Iris Williams at the Beach Café, 1326 2nd Avenue, New York, NY on September 8 or October 13 at 8.15pm. For reservations go to IRIS WILLIAMS Tickets, Sat, Sep 8, 2018 at 8:15 PM | Eventbrite .
###
Iris: My fondest memories of Tonyrefail, which is actually where I was brought up (Pontypridd is where I was born) were my school days, my weekly piano lessons with Mrs. Iris Llewellyn, (who coached me for my scholarship into the RWCMD) and youth club.
I also loved my Friday night visit to the local Fish and chip shop!! I add that I loved visiting Pontypridd market days and little did I know at the time that my biological family were right there.
AmeriCymru:- When did you first become aware of your musical talent and your voice? When was your first live performance?
Iris: I always loved music from very first time I was introduced to it by my foster mother Bronwen Llewellyn. (No relation to the my music teacher Iris, just a coincidence) Bronwen was a musician, she played the piano which was situated in the best room as they used to call it in those days. Bronwen would play popular tunes and I automatically sang along, having learned them from hearing them a few times. It was she who then encouraged me to sing more, and entered me into my very first local talent contest, for which I won £7. That got me hooked, and furthered my growing appetite for a singing career.
AmeriCymru:- Your biggest UK hit came in 1979 with ''He Was Beautiful'', a song based on the theme to Michael Cimino''s hugely successful and widely acclaimed movie ''The Deer Hunter''. How did you come to record this track and what role did it play in your career?
Iris: My recording of this song was purely accidental!!
My manager at the time suggested I do a session with the Birmingham BBC radio orchestra on my way to the Isle Of Man where I was engaged to perform in a summer season. I chose five songs from the BBC''s music library which were in my voice range, one of which was "HE WAS BEAUTIFUL" and the songs from the session were played on a weekend Saturday morning radio programme, hosted by David Jacobs .
When the songs aired one Saturday morning the station was bombarded with mail requesting the recording of "HE WAS BEAUTIFUL". The recording producer for EMI (Wally Ridley who was responsible for many of Vera Lynne''s recordings plus many more) was in his garden that morning, and his wife called him inside to listen to my rendition of the song. Mr. Ridley made inquiries as to where he could contact me, which he did, and asked me to fly over from the Isle of Man to the EMI recording studios in London to make a professional recording of the song. This was all very exiting and dramatic for me.
I did the recording in one session with a live orchestra, left, returned to the Isle Of Man that same day and thought little of it. Then I heard it played on radio 2 some weeks later on the Jimmy Young Show whilst driving to some place and almost crashed the car. It was then followed up with many air plays especially by Terry Wogan.
That of course was the beginning of a a wonderful career which led to many more recordings, TV series, guest appearances, and many Royal command performances for HMS The Queen, the late Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, the late Queen mother Prince Charles and so on.
AmeriCymru:- You have performed with, amongst others, Bob Hope and Rosemary Clooney. Any memories of these performers ( or others ) that you care to share with our readers?
Iris: My first meeting with Bob Hope, was indeed memorable. It was at President Ford''s Golf Celebrity Royal charity performance held at the London Dorchester hotel. Bob Hope, was the master of ceremonies, and personally introduced me to the stage. He was warm, charming and very kind.
I was to work with Bob Hope again from 1988 to1996 every summer at President Fords Celebrity golf tournament held in Vail Colorado.
I first met Rosemary Clooney at her benefit concert in California in memory of her sister. I was invited to sing at the benefit via my American manager, Mary Ellyn Devery, a friend of Rosemary''s, who asked if I could sing one song at this benefit as an introduction to the American audiences. Rosemary, being a very generous artiste, readily obliged.
Ms. Devery was responsible for bringing the Bolshoi Ballet to America, and the Children of the Bolshoi Academy to Vail Colorado every summer at the request of Mrs. Betty Ford. Ms. Devery was also a successful Broadway producer.
I was among many big stars that night including Harry Connick Jr, Lucy Arnez, (Lucille Ball''s daughter) and Carroll Bennett.
Rosemary became a friend and mentor, and introduced me to the New York music scene, which led to such engagements as the famed Oak room at the Algonquin hotel. Tony Bennett is also among the many stars I have been connected with here in New York.
On the UK side I have worked with Des O Conner, Jimmy Tarbuck, Ted Rogers, Sir Harry Secombe,Sir Jimmy Saville, Cannon and Ball and many others.
AmeriCymru:- Last year you performed a concert to raise money for the Rhydyfelin credit union in South Wales. Care to tell us a little more about your involvement with that organisation and other South Wales charities?
Iris: I opened the first Credit union in the late 80''s with a charity concert and have supported it ever since. I enjoy doing charities in my home country. There are too many to mention, but here are just a few. Children in Need, (which is a major charity close to my heart), The Falklands anniversary charity concert, TY Hafen ,The children''s hospital, Lord George Thomas hospice, etc etc... As an artiste, I feel a certain responsibility to use my birth given talent to help others.
AmeriCymru:- Is there any particular recording/performance or achievement of which you are most proud? What , for you, has been the highlight of your career so far?
Iris: "HE WAS BEAUTIFUL" will always remain my first pride, love,and Joy, and is included in every one of my performances.
The highlight of my career, I have to say, was receiving the OBE from HMS Queen Elizabeth the Second personally in 2004 for services to music and charity.
AmeriCymru:- Where can people go to hear and purchase your music online?
Iris: To my website, iriswilliams.com . I believe they are also available on Amazon and on many Google sites.
AmeriCymru:- What''s next for Iris Williams?
Iris: I would hope a lot more to come, as I have no intentions of slowing down. I enjoy performing anywhere and everywhere. I am in the first stages of writing an autobiography, or memoirs. I particularly enjoy entertaining on cruise liners where I meet a lot of Welsh passengers who give me HIREATH for Wales.
I am scheduled to perform as a special guest at Scranton Pennsylvania this coming August at their Annual North American Festival of Wales. I add this quote:- "This gala evening is co-sponsored by the Welsh North American Foundation and the Welsh North American Association will honor the 2012 recipient of the NWAF Heritage Medallion, Beth Landmesser. Entertainment following dinner and presentation will be by singer, Iris Williams, OBE."
AmeriCymru:- Any final message for our readers and NAFOW attendees?
Iris: I wish you all continued success with the your projects. I believe that bringing and sharing Wales with North America is truly wonderful.
Pob bendith.
Welsh Diva Iris Williams to debut at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre on August 17
Wednesday Aug 17 2016, 8:00 PM
@ Vinegar Hill Music Theatre, Arundel, Maine
Hear Iris Williams In Her Debut Performance at Vinegar Hill Music Theater on August 17, 2016 New York, NY – July 13, 2016 – From the bucolic valleys of Wales to the...
Optimum Records are delighted to have the support of the International recording artist from Wales IRIS WILLIAMS . She has especially recorded a track for the album "THE BRAVE BAR NONE" . The album also includes a track from the TREORCHY MALE CHOIR and includes VERNON HOPKINS (Ex Tom Jones band) The profits of the album are going to support the Charity for WELSH SOLDIERS
It is to be a tribute to their bravery and courage and to those who were killed. from their fellow Welsh men and Women.
The ALBUM of ten songs especially recorded for this album is out in SEPTEMBER this year and will sold on AMAZON and most download sites including itunes. The album has collection of new songs of a Welsh genre and will appeal to fellow Welsh men and Women around the World. Please fly the flag for Wales and order a copy or download a track or two . It will on download from September 12th. IRIS is currently in the States
Kevin King
Welsh Diva Iris Williams Returns to New York Citys Cabaret Scene
Completes Her Romantic Musical Journey
In Performance at Metropolitan Room on October 6 and 20
New York, NY August 20, 2013 International song stylist Iris Williams returns to the New York cabaret scene in two appearances at the popular new Flatiron jazz venue, The Metropolitan Room. The intimate 115-seat space is one of the few remaining cabaret rooms in America. Ms. Williams will transport you on A Romantic Musical Journey as she interprets standards by the likes of Rogers and Hart, Duke Ellington and Jerome Kern on October 6 and October 20 at 9:30 pm. Iris Williams :: Metropolitan Room Manhattan, NYC, music, jazz, jazz .
To quote The New York Times Stephen Holden, This demure Welsh singer has one of the most striking voices in all of cabaret... The vivacious and elegant chanteuse, who always performs with a mischievous twinkle in her eye - Iris Williams - I'm Gonna Live 'Til I Die - YouTube says, Im over the moon excited at coming back to the New York cabaret circuit. The Metropolitan Rooms coziness suits me down to the ground. Itll let me keep the audience where I like them up close in a hug or cwtch as we say in Welsh.
Ms. Williams, a favorite of Presidents and Royalty, was born in Pontypridd, Wales. Her exceptional talent and rich, warm contralto have impelled her far beyond the borders of her beloved Wales. A scholarship student at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, she eventually decided to transition away from opera. Her instincts were rewarded and her classical training helped Iris to thrive when her honest and touching rendition of He Was Beautiful went gold and propelled the already-accomplished singing actress along a different path, launching her international career. You might say shes been on a musical journey all her own.
Now based in New York, the much-loved songstress still performs frequently in Wales. Awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II for her musical accomplishments and her work with charity, Iris Williams has performed with Bob Hope and Rosemary Clooney, for President Gerald Ford, the British Royal Family and at The Algonquins iconic Oak Room.
Catch Iris Williams at The Metropolitan Room in New York Citys Flatiron District on October 6 or October 20 at 9:30pm. www.themetropolitanroom.com ; 34 West 22 Street; 212 206 0440.
ENDS
Welsh Diva Iris Williams Arrives On Los Angeles Cabaret Scene
In Her Debut Performance at Catalina Jazz Club on April 13
New York, NY – February 23, 2016 – International song stylist Iris Williams arrives on the Los Angeles cabaret scene in a one night only solo performance - her debut at Catalina’s located on Hollywood’s storied Sunset Boulevard. During Ms. Williams’ set, themed “I Wish You Love,” she will interpret classic American standards featuring composers Gershwin, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, Burton Lane, and more. Music Director Keith Droste will be on piano, with Jeff Stover on bass and Andy Fraga on drums on April 13 at 8:30pm.
In October 2015, Candace Leeds of Cabaret Scenes declared, “The stately Welsh singer, Iris Williams, made her Birdland debut …, performing to an enthusiastic sold-out house. With her low-key charm, elegant presence, and lovely, deep-throated contralto voice, she truly inhabited each of her songs. She had the audience in the palm of her hand throughout the show.”
Reviewing her performance at The Metropolitan Club in 2013, Joe Regan, Jr said, “Iris Williams has lost not a bit of her voice which was championed by Stephen Holden (“…one of the most striking voices in all of cabaret.”) and Rex Reed (“You owe it to yourself to see this great lady: Impeccable taste and elegant phrasing.”) The vivacious and elegant chanteuse always performs with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Rob Lester dubbed her voice ‘warm brandy’ and called her “The Halley’s Comet of cabaret.”
Ms. Williams is a favorite of Presidents and Royalty. Her classical training, exceptional talent and rich, warm contralto impelled her beyond her beloved native Wales and helped Iris to thrive when her honest and touching rendition of “He Was Beautiful” went gold and launched her international career.
Iris says of her love of cabaret, “I am very drawn – musically, and especially lyrically - to The American Songbook. I relish interpreting these lyrics with their compelling stories of love, sadness, happiness, and loss so that my audiences can connect on a personal level with the meaning of the lyrics behind the music. I also enjoy keeping things fresh by exploring different interpretations at each performance.”
Now based in New York, the much-loved songstress still performs frequently in Wales. Awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2004 by Queen Elizabeth II for her musical accomplishments and her work with charity, Iris Williams has performed with Bob Hope and Rosemary Clooney, for President Gerald Ford, the British Royal Family, at The Algonquin’s iconic Oak Room and NYC’s landmark Birdland Jazz Club.
Catch Iris Williams at Catalina Jazz Club – 6725 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA on April 13, 2016 at 8:30pm. For reservations call 323 466 2210.
###
Welsh singer Iris Williams to make her West Coast debut at Catalina's Jazz Club April 13, 2016
Wednesday Apr 13 2016, 8:30 PM
@ Catalina's Jazz Club, 6725 West Sunset Blyd, Hollywood, Ca
Welsh diva Iris Williams is set to make her West Coast debut at Catalina's Jazz Club in Hollywood, Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. For tickets and more information tel: 323 466...
ENCORE EVENING WITH IRIS
Monday May 2 2016, 7:00 PM
@ Broadway at Birdland 315 W 44th Street NYC
The show is called,as above AN ENCORE WITH IRIS. Nice and informal, its a wonderful venue which many of you who came to see my last show 0ctober 19th will attest to . Its a...
