LAST NIGHT AT THE BLUE ANGEL

Andrus Nichols and Caitlin Davies share the narration of this mother–daughter story, set primarily in Chicago in 1965. Nichols infuses her performance with a soft, dreamy quality, which is appropriate for jazz singer Naomi's memories of the postwar years, when she was forced to face the consequences of acting on her instincts. Davies's performance is more lively, befitting the chapters told from the perspective of 10-year-old Sophia. These two different approaches work well together, emphasizing the contrast between the ambitious yet dependent Naomi and the more practical but fearful Sophia as they face an uncertain future and prepare for Naomi's last gig at a run-down club. Listeners will be fully engaged by this story of church, sexuality, the pursuit of art, and the meaning of family. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2014]