I’m so lucky–I got to photograph Judith Hill performing at Helsinki Hudson last weekend. She was my favorite singer on The Voice last year, and she blew me away with her great voice, her piano playing, and her fantastic arrangements. She had been singing backup with Michael Jackson, and was to be his duet partner on his This Is It tour.

Judith grew up in a musical family; her mom is a pianist from Tokyo, and her dad, an African American bass player in a funk band.

On The Voice and at Helsinki Hudson, Judith did a fantastic version of  “Feelin’ Good,” which is best known by Nina Simone. Michael Bublé  also covered it. I have loved this song since I first heard it in 1964. It was written by Anthony Newley and Leslie Bricusse for the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint–The Smell of the Crowd. Judith could go from jazz to rock with such ease, and dare I say it: I prefer her version to MJ’s of “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Love it so much I use it when I teach Zumba!

As I’ve been hunting and pecking around the internet for info on Judith, I came across the video of The Voice “knockout round” duet between Judith & Karina Iglesias. This is some powerhouse singing–check it out here. Love the intensity of this performance!

It was so great to see and hear her live, right in my own backyard, at Helsinki Hudson–such a great, intimate venue. Of course I enjoyed getting a chance to photograph her too! More here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photographer B. Docktor specializes in capturing the spirit, action, and energy of performances. 518-329-6239.