Linda Michelet
by Alex Fontana
Dress up to the nines; go to a posh hotel and hobnob with the elite
like James Bond or, perhaps you would rather stroll in casually like
Magnum P.I. Such is the case when you find yourself having dinner in
the Tea Room Lounge at the illustrious Heathman Hotel, at 1001 S.W.
Broadway, Portland.
While the server brings a sensational glass of merlot, you notice
jazz percussionist Bob Wahlke quietly waltzing in to prepare the band
area. Bassist Bill Athens and guitarist Neal Grandstaff join him with
a quiet nod. With only a couple of “test, test, tests,” Grandstaff
announces the preliminaries as pianist Greg Goebel places his charts
on the grand piano and the music begins.
It is good you came early. The house is already packed well before
the set performance time. Patrons hearing the band’s musical virtuosity
attempt to find seats or upstairs alcoves wherever possible. For some,
making new friends in the process of sharing tables is part of the
fun. Everyone speculates as to the location of the red-headed singer,
known as Linda Lee Mitchelet, not to be seen anywhere. Conversations
continue as people discuss her CD, a debut recording for the artist,
live at the hotel. The CD has the distinction of sounding as if it
was digitally mastered in a major sound studio, yet no re-takes were
made. Such is the quality of these artists’ performance.
On that note, forgive the pun, Grandstaff calls attention to the
top of the stairs where we see a tall blonde woman who is introduced
as Ms. Michelet. But can it be - the same blonde that was mingling
with guests only minutes before in the restaurant and lower lounge?
As all heads turn while she descends the majestic staircase, you can
see that it is in fact Michelet, in full evening dress and long satin
gloves.
You discover from the table next to you that when she is not singing,
Ms. Michelet is also a paralegal and P.I for TriMet. Her boss notes, “Her
wild antics are what keep everyone in the office sane during all the
high pressure legal stuff that goes on there each day.” To take this
in, you turn your head back to where you hear and believe she is, only
to feel a comforting hand on your shoulder and, voil à ! As if by magic,
Linda Lee Michelet is at your side. You blush as she sings directly
to you.
Kudos should be given to the person who can take Michelet’s picture.
Like the bubbles in a fine glass of champagne, she breezes throughout
the room in constant motion, with personal touches of effervescence.
These fleeting glimpses create a feeling of wonder, as if she’s singing
just for you. But, as smoke is to a magician, one moment you see her
and the next she materializes on the other side of the room.
As the band takes a break, you learn that Michelet once asked Terry
Currier of Music Millennium why no-one has done a tribute to Peggy
Lee. Currier told her that she should do one, and that she does. Everyone
has seen the Disney’s cartoon, Lady and the Tramp. Many a man
remembers being a boy and relating to the cleverness of the resourceful
vagabond. Just as many a young girl has related to Lady and her sweet
elegance. But don’t forget that the entrancing mood was set by Peggy
Lee, who was the singing voice of Peg the dog and queen of the city
kennel.
If you must leave the performance slightly early, you must be prepared
for a spotlight. No one escapes this P.I. without public acknowledgment.
And you will have missed the fine performance of Dick Titterington
on trumpet!
When you finally do take your leave; bow to your adoring public and
the musical sextet of jazz talent, remember you can always go to www.lindamichelet.com or through this paper whenever you want to see her next live performance
and feel special again. For further private investigation you can get
CDs either at CD Baby or Music Millennium.
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