Considered one of the most consistently creative of all jazz singers, Ms. Jordan will perform a selection of soulful jazz numbers with the center's house band. The New York Times has described her ballad performances as “simply beyond the emotional and expressive capabilities of most other vocalists."
The series promotes the unique tradition of the open jam session. Combining elements of “live" showcase and workshop, Jazz Jam affords aspiring musicians the unique opportunity to play with jazz pros, even legends, in an evening of improvisational jazz. Our special guest also discusses various topics of jazz, which enhances the experience and provides greater understanding and appreciation of the music. The session also invites local musicians and singers to come and jam with the band and guest artist.
The performance begins at 8 p.m. in the college's Little Theatre on 47th Avenue and Van Dam Street in Long Island City. Tickets are $10. Those who are interested in purchasing tickets may call (718) 482-5151.
Ms. Jordan's singing career, which spans five decades, began in the early 50's when she sang in Greenwich Village clubs and at jam sessions with such jazz greats as Charles Mingus and Herbie Nichols. In 1962 she made her acclaimed first recordings: Portrait of Sheila and “You Are My Sunshine" on George Russell's The Outer View.
After touring with trombonist Roswell Rudd in the late 70's, she became a founding member of the Steve Kuhn Quartet.
Throughout Ms. Jordan's career, the music community has recognized her talents. Down Beat's International Critics Poll has named her winner of “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition" honors nine times and has placed her among the top five singers in the “Established Talent" category every year since 1980. Her recording Lost and Found won “Best CD of the Year" honors in Wire magazine's “1991 Critics Choice" poll.
The singer has appeared in festivals and clubs both nationally and internationally, performing as a soloist, with her quartet, and as co-leader of the Sheila Jordan/Cameron Brown Duo.
The Jazz Jam series is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re- grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Queens Council on the Arts.
LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, is a nationally recognized leader among community colleges. Its vibrant and culturally diverse student body, representing 159 countries and speaking 110 languages, has established LaGuardia as the “The World's Community College." The college provides a broad array of academic, workforce development, and continuing education programs to over 41,000 students. LaGuardia is located in the heart of western Queens. To learn about our exciting college, please go to www.laguardia.edu.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
