Winter Jazz Series: Melissa Newman Trio

Tucked behind the Westport Playhouse, walking into The Dressing Room, the restaurant started by Paul Newman, was much like walking into a wonderful old barn. Under the garland of lights strung up outside, and into a cozy nest of dark wood, old theatrical posters, a roaring fireplace and, above the bar, a television that alternated Newman’s movies with the ball game. Replacing the busy hum of conversation every other Friday were the dulcet and lovely tones of a female jazz singer who, together with guitar and bass, filled the room with her rich voice.

Melissa Newman may chat in between songs, and has been known to shout out the score, on occasion, for those who might have missed a good play. She grew up loving music, and singing. From her first album, Stevie Wonder’s “Innervisions,” to the entire collection of Ella Fitzgerald, she was always listening but studied sculpture and opera, not jazz.