One of the hidden treasures of the Sandhills is The Rooster’s Wife, a small club in Aberdeen where hostess Janet Kenworthy offers a variety of musical experiences to appreciative groups of up to 125.

I recently discovered this gem when asked to accompany some friends to see jazz singer Annie Sellick, a few of whose recordings I had heard.

As it turns out, she is one of those artists whose live performances simply cannot be captured by even the most sophisticated electronics of the age.

To put it simply, she was fantastic! She is a born performer. Although her style is unique, you can hear echoes of many of the greats: a trill from Ella, a rumble from Bessie Smith, the sweetness of Astrud, the imagination of Annie Ross, the drive of Diana Krall.

But she’s much more than a singer — she captures you as she tells her story, she paints vivid pictures, you want it never to end.

And she was accompanied by three outstanding musicians, pianist Kevin Bales, bassist Lisa Pruett and drummer Justin Varnes.

If you didn’t see her, you missed a great musical experience. My thanks to Kenworthy for bringing such a brilliant talent to — as she likes to say — “LA” (Lower Aberdeen). I look forward eagerly to her future offerings.

Oh, Bertrand Russell? He’s the Jack Russell terrier who is the bouncer/host/boss. He makes sure everyone is comfortable as he makes his rounds through the audience. He may sit on your lap or ignore you completely. Nothing personal, he’s a Jack Russell.

Since there’s not a lot of room here I’m not going to tell you where The Rooster’s Wife is. You’ll have to find this treasure on your own.

Carl Giambelluca

Vass

Editor’s Note: The Rooster’s Wife holds performances at the Poplar Knight Spot at 114 Knight St., Aberdeen; visit www.theroosterswife.org or call (910) 944-7502.