Alicia Wiley

A young woman who considers herself on the shy side, Alicia Wiley looks nowhere near timid when she's sitting behind her piano onstage. Combining a variety of soulful music genres, Wiley is an extremely talented jazz pianist with a voice that's both sexy and refreshing. Solo or with a band, jazz piano like Wiley's is best complemented by an attractive date and a martini of your liking. Hints of Fiona Apple or Tori Amos's voluptuous vocal tones mix with elated Norah Jones-style melodies, helping audience members sit back and breathe easy. Wiley's occasional salsa or Spanish-inspired songs are a stirring treat in between her bluesier repertoire, which can win over any ear in range. Wiley has three full-length albums to date and is currently recording her fourth, meaning there are plenty of gems to play. As she traditionally performs in jazz clubs around the city, the romantic atmosphere of the Varsity Theater will be that much more of a perfect setting in which to be swooned by Wiley's gorgeous creations. With Jistoray and 2wurds. 18+.
Fri., May 23, 8 p.m., 2008