Take Five With Sacha Boutros

Meet Sacha Boutros: A local native of San Diego, Sacha Boutros has been captivating audiences with her sultry vocals and exquisite style as she posses a charm and grace reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. Having played the piano since she was a little girl, she began composing at an early age. With a four-octave range she is well versed in classical music and can sing in just about any language as she speaks five fluently; but her passion lies in writing and singing jazz. In 2002, shortly after graduating from the University of San Diego, she was introduced by the legendary Frankie Laine at his 90th birthday celebration as his Ingénue.

She has had the pleasure of performing for, opening and playing alongside such artists as Julio Iglesias, Marvin Hamlisch, James Moody, Red Holloway, Karrin Allyson, Geoffrey Keezer, Chuchito Valdes, Kay Star, Patty Paige, and Herb Jeffries.

Since then she has been recording, writing and performing jazz both locally and nationally. Currently she is working on an album of her original music, which should be released in the fall of 2006. The compositions will be a mix of jazz, Latin and pop in an interesting combination. She is trying to create a sort of pop-jazz so that everyone will enjoy my music, and hopefully get more into and appreciate the art of acoustic music itself and the beauty and power of something as simple as a song.

Instrument(s): Voice, Piano.

Teachers and/or influences? My Grandfather and Grandmother Cirilo and Lupe Cazares and all the music we sang in church - this is the reason that I am singing.

Mi Mama

Julie Andrews, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bill Evans, Mycoy Tyner, The Mills Brothers, Margaret Whiting, Nancy Wilson, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, Thelonious Monk, Liza Minelli, Judy Garland, Deana Durbin, Charlie Chaplin, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Stan Getz, Louis Prima, Bette Midler, Mel Torme, Gospel Music, George Benson, EL CRI-CRI, Celia Cruz, Dave Brubeck, Dexter Gordon, Tito Puente, Steely Dan, Perry Como, Fred Astaire, Gertrude Lawrence and Noel Coward, Los Panchos with Eydie Gourmet, Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin, Scarlatti, Vicente Fernandez, The Beatles, Paolo Conte, The key of D minor, A Good Mariachi...there are so many... and in no particular order I love them all and they make up who I am.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I was little and music constantly fascinated me.

Your sound and approach to music: Love jazz and swing but have a Latin approach. I sing in five languages, so I guess you could say I am international jazz!

Your dream band: Me and Tony Bennett and Barbara Streisand.

Favorite venue: I love playing in Mexico. They treat their artists very nicely and get you everything you need all the time. I love it!

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically? Something different! I guess everyone must say this though. A pure heart, love and passion for what I am doing and an original sound.

Did you know... I played soccer and tennis most of my life and in college, was a scholared athlete as well scholarship. I have a business degree from USD.

How do you use the internet to help your career? Always on the internet. Constantly trying to get out there with MySpace and blogs, I maintain a weekly mailing list that I send out with current events.

How would you describe the state of jazz today? Hmmmmmm. We are the forgotten.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing? Supporting it when it is in your area!!!

What is in the near future? I have a new CD coming out featuring: Red Holloway, Chuchito Valdes and Geoffrey Keezer.

It is in five languages and features many originals.

By Day: No. Music is my life.

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