Results for "Ballads"

Noah Preminger: Ballads

by Jack Kenny
February 4, 2025

Noah Preminger is a philosophical, thought-through artist who can gauge the impact of his playing and his thinking on his intended audience. It is interesting to compare Preminger's Ballads to John Coltrane's Ballads (Impulse!, 1963), an illuminating set of familiar tunes that was reputedly instigated after his quartet's first tour of Europe, with Eric Dolphy in ...

Christopher Parnis

Born: December 8, 1999

Christopher Parnis is a multi-award-winning Canadian double bassist with a deep-rooted and broad connection to the jazz tradition. He has performed in clubs and festivals across the country, and has worked and recorded with a who’s-who of Canadian musicians such as Brian Dickinson, Terry Clarke, Robi Botos, Reg Schwager, Jocelyn Gould, and Allison Au.

In addition to enjoying a busy schedule of sideman work, Christopher is also an accomplished bandleader. In early 2024 he established a multi-generational 9-piece band of Toronto mainstay musicians and rising talents performing the horn arranging of Don Thompson, and since 2019 he has led a quintet in developing iterations performing and developing his own original music which was recently recorded and will be releasing as his debut full-length album.

Duo Laroo-Byrd

About Duo Laroo/Byrd 

Experience the harmonious fusion of world-renowned trumpeter Saskia Laroo and international pianist/vocalist Warren Byrd. Together, they craft a musical tapestry that spans the spectrum of occasions, from grand gala-fests to intimate gatherings. 

Duo Laroo/Byrd's repertoire is as diverse as it is enchanting. Whether delivering captivating dance classics, interpreting the American songbook, igniting the stage with hot afro-Latin grooves, or sharing their own catchy and soulful originals, this dynamic duo effortlessly adapts to suit your musical desires. They can provide a soothing backdrop, set the stage for a lively party, or become the centerpiece of a grand showcase. 

Matt Hayden

Changamire

Raised on the music of Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and Dinah Washington, Changamiré is a jazz vocalist and recording artist from Washington, DC. Glenn Turner, pianist for the late Gil Scott Heron, was her first vocal coach.

In 2001, she self-released her critically acclaimed debut album, Only Human, which features a 14-piece string section. AllAboutJazz.com wrote, "It's difficult to nail down just what makes her voice so darn compelling. Maybe it's the comfort and familiarity, maybe the confiding honesty. Whatever the case, it works exceptionally well.”

Scotty Wright

Born: November 5, 1954

Jazz vocalist Scotty Wright is a veteran musician with over 30 years experience. One can hear the entire spectrum of jazz singing in his performances.  With a warm, rich-toned voice and tremendous range, Scotty possesses a unique sound that is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition. His style reflects his harmonic sophistication, playful rhythmic approach and his insightful phrasing of the lyric. His first recording, 'Too Much Fun!', was listed among the best jazz albums of the year in USA Today and the New York Daily News, earning Scotty a place in the DownBeat magazine's critics' poll, as a Talent Deserving Wider Recognition

Alexia Gardner

Born: August 2, 1968

Who is Alexia Gardner? short answer, a British-born Jazz Singer. Long answer, a talented, new voice with a refreshing sound that is turning heads with her interpretation of jazz classics such as "Skylark" in a slow and easy style that is reminiscent of old-school female vocalist. Her instrument is well tempered and smooth and mellow as fine wine.....So if you want to know who Alexia Gardner is. Checkout her music and remember her name. Alexia Gardner. Slam dunk brilliant! FROM A YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBER 2018 youtube.com/alexiajazz

I am a British Singer with Jamaican Roots. I began my career touring the British Cabaret Circuit in England and Wales during my teens.I toured with my gifted, younger sister - Paula Gardner - as a sophisticated Accapela duo called 'High Profile' and we got much acclaim for our harmonic voices. (Check out a fun old, old, youtube link HERE) As a graduate of London's Central School of Speech and Drama with a Bachelor of Education Honors in Speech and Drama (B.Ed Hons)

Amber Chiang

Born: November 29

Renowned for her beautiful, melodious voice, Amber delights audiences with her song interpretations and jazz stylings. Mixed in with standards, she often performs her own compositions which tell a story of her life relationship experiences. Audiences around the world are moved by her emotional honesty. As expressed by a fan, "Wow! I'm impressed, Amber! Your songs moved me.” 

New York born, jazz/pop vocalist, Amber Chiang, received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Massachusetts. Her jazz education started when working as a DJ at WTBS, she spent her afternoons in the radio station soaking up as many jazz albums as possible. Her jazz styling influences are a combination of Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughn and Betty Carter as well as from Brazilian and pop artists.

Nina Richmond

Nina has been passionate about singing her whole life, performing in genres from musical theatre and pop to jazz and blues. During her many years practising law and raising a family, Nina was the featured singer with the Advocats Big Band and the Tokyo Giants, R & B band, as well as the swing band, Atomic Cocktail, and many other smaller formations. She has performed at high-profile events such as the Beaches International Jazz Festival, Eat to the Beat for Willow, the Angel Ball for Providence Centre, AidsBeat, as well as at weddings, parties and book launches. She has appeared at many venues around Toronto, including, The Rex, The Duke Live, The Old Mill, Seven44 Restaurant & Lounge, Gate 403, the Rivoli, Revival Bar, The Pilot and more

Lucky Thompson's Ballads (1953-'56)

February 5, 2021

Lucky Thompson was one of the most gorgeous tenor saxophonists of the post-war period. His tone was pronounced, slippery and confidential and his improvising was as fluid and as seamless as syrup. His sweet spot was mid-tempo numbers, like Lullaby in Rhythm and East of the Sun, but his ballads also were standouts. Delivered with a ...