There are only two lasting things we can leave our children: One is roots, and the other, wings. — Hodding S. Carter, II
What’s it all about? Celebrating legends of Chicago and bringing roots to life. Lila Ammons, granddaughter of Albert Ammons, famed boogie woogie pianist and Blue Note artist, and niece of tenor saxophone titan, Gene Ammons, intends to create her own legacy honoring jazz, steeped in its roots from then to now. This campaign will support production of her CD Genealogy honoring Albert and Gene, as well as her unique styling of both classics and new music.
Ammons, a former New York-trained opera singer, is a life-long artist and an international performer. After years in the opera fast-track she redirected herself towards her love for jazz. It has been an exciting journey for Ammons as she has developed new vocal and artistic expressions. She has said that in her travels, she has noticed how widely jazz is loved. And that is what inspired her to create this recording, which celebrates the heritage of jazz music, and her family legacy.
Since her transformation, Ammons has performed on many international festival stages including, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Festival Jazz Amarois, Salzburg Jazz Festival, Nuremberg Bardentreffen, Bansko Jazz Festival, Ascona Jazz Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Cincinnati Blues and Boogie Woogie Festival, Twin Cities Jazz Festival and has performed with and/or toured with many luminaries, such as Axel Zwingenberger, Charlie Watts, Ben Waters, Bruce Barth, Stacey Kent, Jon Faddis, Bucky Pizzarelli.
As Hodding S. Carter, II, once said, “There are only two lasting things we can leave our children: One is roots, and the other, wings.” Ammons knows that Albert and Gene left her their roots. Now they are telling her to spread her wings. She will include tunes by some of her favorite songwriters and singers, a rendition of Gene’s signature tune, “Canadian Sunset”, music of her grandfather’s, and she has also co-written the title tune: Genealogy. A singer with a wide pallet, Ammons honors the past and the present, and wants to continue growing with jazz into its future. According to Lila, “I don’t know where I will go next, but I’m excited to find out.”
Back this project
Ammons, a former New York-trained opera singer, is a life-long artist and an international performer. After years in the opera fast-track she redirected herself towards her love for jazz. It has been an exciting journey for Ammons as she has developed new vocal and artistic expressions. She has said that in her travels, she has noticed how widely jazz is loved. And that is what inspired her to create this recording, which celebrates the heritage of jazz music, and her family legacy.
Since her transformation, Ammons has performed on many international festival stages including, Guinness Cork Jazz Festival, Festival Jazz Amarois, Salzburg Jazz Festival, Nuremberg Bardentreffen, Bansko Jazz Festival, Ascona Jazz Festival, Chicago Blues Festival, Cincinnati Blues and Boogie Woogie Festival, Twin Cities Jazz Festival and has performed with and/or toured with many luminaries, such as Axel Zwingenberger, Charlie Watts, Ben Waters, Bruce Barth, Stacey Kent, Jon Faddis, Bucky Pizzarelli.
As Hodding S. Carter, II, once said, “There are only two lasting things we can leave our children: One is roots, and the other, wings.” Ammons knows that Albert and Gene left her their roots. Now they are telling her to spread her wings. She will include tunes by some of her favorite songwriters and singers, a rendition of Gene’s signature tune, “Canadian Sunset”, music of her grandfather’s, and she has also co-written the title tune: Genealogy. A singer with a wide pallet, Ammons honors the past and the present, and wants to continue growing with jazz into its future. According to Lila, “I don’t know where I will go next, but I’m excited to find out.”
Back this project
