Tipping The Hat: Wendy Matthews

Which act are you paying tribute to and why? I am exactly paying tribute to Billie Holiday as much as being a great admirer of the songs she wrote and way they crafted then.

What was their best period musically? I don't know her best or worst time musically, I've never followed her chronologically, but I grew up hearing some songs and their delivery which really moved me, so this is a re-exploration.

Your favourite song of theirs and why? I love to sing Willow Weep For Me. It's got a slow swing that is dark as hell and is beautifully crafted.

Which album of theirs would you give to a newbie who had no idea about them to best represent them? Again, I'm not enough of a Billie buff to know all her records, but a 'best of' would have a good collection of her songs and way.

When and where is your gig giving them the nod? The Triffid, 30 Jul.