Results for "Vocalist"

Melody Swink

Melody Swink..."When Jazz Legend and GRAMMY winner, Ramsey Lewis, graced my current release, TODAY IS SOMEDAY, I emotionally crescendoed - what a personal and career pinnacle!" Originally from California, Melody moved to Chicago to hear, learn and create her own uniquely fresh voice and sound...in jazz music. Melody Swink penned every word on her passionate, poetic debut CD, entitled “Travel Me” (Produced by Leo Sidran). Her provocative life experiences immerse the listener in her world of lost love “Obsession” to desire “Encore Une Fois”, and most inspiring, her songs of rebirth and self-reliance, “American Girl” (15 weeks in Top 40-6), “Bed Of Roses”, and “I’m Happy”. These revelatory tunes have transported her to a new plateau of evocatively personal lyrics and uplifting songwriting. “Today Is Someday”, is a gorgeously crafted and presented double-CD follow-up project

Claudia Acuña

Born: July 31

Reflection and re-dedication are steady themes in the life and work of Claudia Acuña. Following her dynamic debut on the NY scene in the 1990's she released five albums as a leader before slowing down to adjust to motherhood and restore her power. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she returned refreshed and reborn 2019 and in 2019, delivered the Latin Grammy nominated album Turning Pages, representing reclamation, recovery, survivor and documenting a major creative leap.

As 2020 rocked the world we all experienced our own version of such a journey, asking ourselves important questions of intent and purpose. Claudia returned to a long time desire - to record a duets album of songs from her homeland, Chile. As the world slowed to a crawl, Acuna took this time to remember the past, to find the core of her dedication and the power of music. The result is DUO, 9 songs recorded with some of the finest musicians in the world. Entering the studio with the likes of Fred Hersch, Christian Mcbride, and Kenny Barron for an intimate recording put her in a vulnerable spot, but the ease and comfort of the experience set the tone. The simplicity of just two, feeling the music and letting it flow through them, brought her to a new place as a singer.

Lulu LaFever

"A Little Night Music"...There's a Juke joint down by the river, just off Highway 99… The jazz is sizzling…It's Friday night, and you and your baby arrive to make “A Little Night Music” of your own… “A Little Night Music” Produced by Bernie Dresel and Lulu LaFever Engineered by Les Brockmann recorded at Entourage 5.1 and The Greene Room in Los Angeles, California Bernie Dresel on drums and percussion Carl Verheyen on guitars Alan Steinberger on Piano Rick Shaw on standup bass Lulu LaFever delivering steamy vocals When Bernie Dresel took on the task of masterminding this CD his vision took Lulu’s desire for a sultry, old school jazz CD to the moon and back

Kat Parra

Born: January 13, 1962

Vocalist Kat Parra’s debut CD Birds in Flight on JazzMa Records is an incredibly diverse collection of songs that showcases her versatile vocal stylings as well as glittering arrangements by award-winning trombonist/arranger Wayne “The Doctor” Wallace and pianist Murray Low. It is an aural feast; seventeen musicians appear here, playing a wide range of instruments to create a spectacular symphony of sounds, colors, and textures which is adroitly led by Parra, who’s opened for Celia Cruz, Charlie Hunter and Cubanismo. Her heartfelt honesty and purity of expression is present in every track, captivating the listener in songs that alternately make you want to get up and dance or sigh with longing. It would be easy to simply call this “Latin” jazz, but this CD transcends that classification. Here we find jazz staples such as Softly as in a Morning Sunrise and Caravan alongside a Sephardic song, three Parra originals, and songs by well-known Latin composers. “ Even though I did not understand the language she was singing, I could sense through the soul and conviction of what she was saying through the music

Kimber Manning

Kimber Manning could certainly be regarded as a “singer’s singer.” At least that’s the buzz surrounding this artist, to those in the know, here in Nashville and beyond. Aside from a keen sense for ear-friendly, energetic lyrics and melodies, as found in her forthcoming CD, it’s Kimber’s voice--passionate and wrenchingly soulful--that has garnered so much attention from her peers and industry insiders. “No doubt about it, Kimber has all the qualities for a long career in the music industry,” says fellow singer-songwriter Lindy Gravelle. John Briggs, vice president, membership, of ASCAP Nashville says simply, “I love her voice.” That voice has been taking shape since she was a little girl singing in her father’s church

Kay Kostopoulos

Born: August 20, 1960

Kay Kostopoulos is an elegant singer, a voice inspired by the golden age of jazz. A professional actress who teaches who teaches Acting and Communication Skills at Stanford University in the Department of Theater, Graduate School of Business, and School of Medicine. She currently has dual residencies in New York City and San Francisco.

Kay's Bio The warm singer Kay Kostopoulos returns to the Bay Area after a triumphant debut with Noel Jewkes in New York City. (review below). Kay brings a Mediterranean feel to jazz, featuring sultry vocals, exotic finger cymbals accompanied by serpentine phrases on Noel Jewke’s soprano saxophone. Kay and Noel have been musical partners for over 10 years playing at featured venues and jazz festivals all around the San Francisco Bay Area. Their album,”Exotica”, a Mediterranean Jazz Journey, received rave reviews, and was honored by the Stanford Humanities celebration. Kay is also a Stanford lecturer in Business and Theater, and professional actress, who has performed in plays and musicals in many regional and Bay Area theaters. Her theatrical background lends an emotional sensitivity to her lush and sensuous three-octave vocal range.

Reviews: “Reed maestro Noel Jewkes is from the Bay Area, providing brilliant tenor sax, soprano sax and clarinet accompaniment. The lovely Ms. Kostopolous, whose ageless Mediterranean beauty perfectly complements a show incorporating Greek goddesses, set the mood with an excellent rendition of Dizzy Gillespie’s “A Night in Tunisia.” The star makes extensive use of sensuality in her performance, often with the aid of Turkish finger cymbals, called zills. Kay Kostopolous is a fine performer who will leave you enchanted and informed. New York is lucky to have her.”... Andrew Portez, Theater Pizzazz , NY, NY. Beautiful voice with a wide range... Ms. Kostopoulos is equally skilled on ballads and uptempo material...Makes a strong case for being considered a major jazz singer, Jazz Critic Scott Yanow…Quintessential San Francisco Jazz, Wayne Saroyan, Jazz West…Wonderful lyrical imagery that transports the listener to another environment...Velvety vocal work, Billboard...Kay is a singer with good technique and beautiful tone, William Sostre, Jazz Times…Her love of the text, subtlety of word, and appreciation for the audience promise a performance as deep as those big, dark eyes starring right back at you, Palo Alto Weekly...With a sizzling snap of her fingers, Kay Kostopoulos turned up the heat—Kostopoulos brought exotic energy to Duke Ellington’s Caravan and Johnny Mercer’s Out of This World…Stanford Magazine Full New York Review here: https://www.theaterpizzazz.com/kay-kostopolous-black-olive-jazz-myth-and-mystery/? fbclid=IwAR0MhJePN8h6fA721CckYI1Yxx8xQrBg0FkstU-yT0lAvK6uX-MblZIGjZs

Kay conceived Black Olive Jazz with two key ideas in mind: She wanted to draw from her acting background and from her Mediterranean heritage to establish a unique sound in Jazz. Kay has appeared at The Venetian Room, Union Street and Sausalito Arts Festivals, the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Festival, The Napa Valley, Vallejo and Sonoma Jazz Societies, and given concerts for Stanford Arts Initiative, and many other educational institutions. In New York City, Kay has appeared at the concert series in Bryant Park, Pangea, Mezzrow, and Hermana.   She has also appeared at the Blue Note Waikiki.

Near the end of the set at Birdland, Kay Kostopoulos dressed as a member of a harem and sporting two pairs of finger cymbals soloed on “Boulevard Of Broken Dreams” was as close to finger cymbal virtuosity as I've ever heard (and if she wasn't also from the Bay Area, I'd claim this as an “only in New York” moment!) (November 12-21, 2021) Concert Reviews, Frontpage by Thomas Cunliffe. November 23, 2021

Her original title song from her album, View From Telegraph Hill, has been lauded as “The Quintessential San Francisco Jazz Song” … Wayne Saroyan, Jazz West; “Wonderful lyrical imagery that transports the listener to another environment”…“Velvety vocal work.” … Billboard; “Kay is a singer with good technique and beautiful tone”…Jazz Times.

REVIEWS:

Noel Jewkes & Kay Kostopoulos Moods Modes Muses Los Angeles Jazz Scene: Scott Yanow

Veteran tenor-saxophonist Noel Jewkes and the excellent jazz singer Kay Kostopoulos have frequently team up in their group Black Olive Jazz, performing in the San Francisco Bay area. While not officially by that group, Moods Modes Muses has the vocalist featured on half of the eight selections. Noel Jewkes (who is heard on tenor, clarinet, flute and soprano) utilizes a septet that also includes trumpeter Dave Bendigkeit, trombonist Max Perkoff, altoist Charlie McCarthy, pianist Keith Saunders, bassist Chris Amberger, and drummer David Rokeach. While the material covers a wide area, one is immediately struck by its consistent high quality, not only in the solos and ensembles but in the leader’s inventive arrangements. Kay Kostopouos is featured on an exotic version of “Temptation,” a modernized but warm “Prisoner Of Love” (Jewkes’ tenor on this piece is reminiscent of Paul Gonsalves), the hard-swinging “Get Happy,” and wordlessly on “Dreamsville.”

EXOTICA: Featuring Kay Kostopoulos, Noel Jewkes, Grant Levin, David Rokeach

Black Olive Jazz is a group from the San Francisco Bay area that features the warm singer Kay Kostopoulos and the veteran Noel Jewkes on tenor, alto, soprano and flute. Exotica was an idea conceived by Kostopoulous, Jewkes (who provided the arrangements) and pianist Grant Levin. The singer, whose background is in theater, wanted to perform dramatic material that could be considered both exotic and modern jazz. The concept works quite well on such pieces as “Bali Hai,” Horace Silver’s “”Enchantment” (on which Ms. Kostopoulos added new lyrics), “Slow Hot Wind” a slightly spooky “Never Never Land” and “Caravan.” With vocals that range from powerful to tender, a lot of spots for Jewkes to display his versatility and swinging ideas, and two guest appearances by pianist Larry Vuckovich, this is a very successful set. Kay Kostopoulos’ perfect pitch allows her to sing wordlessly on the more atmospheric pieces such as “Lotus Land,” and to engage in close interplay with Jewkes.

New York Jazz Writer Dan Singer: “In Tune International” KAY KOSTOPOULOS: EXOTICA It’s certainly not a bad idea to feature an entire 13-song CD with subdued and wild jazz influenced “Martin Denny” like sounding material. Kay just dazzles as she sings along with a group of San Francisco musicians called “Black Olive Jazz” a program of marvelous songs with brand new arrangements we haven’t heard before. “Bali Hai” (Rodgers/Hammerstein) starts things off in an inspired and creative way. This song never loses interest in a wonderful almost 6-minute performance. “Surrey With The Fringe On Top” (Rodgers/Hart) continues to surprise. As familiar the song happens to be with us, Ms. Kostopoulos very original reading here is wonderful. “Never Never Land” (Styne/Comden/Green) from “Peter Pan” is performed in a most resourceful way. “Caravan” (Tizol) contains many ingenious and movingly sweeping rhythms. Kay seems really at home and certainly on top of things here. The swing is very comforting and loose. “Passion Flower” (Strayhorn) is most lovingly inventive and remarkably artistic in this presentation.

Jazz DJ, Dave Fabilli: ”Bali Hai” (always dug this tune, anyway), “Enchantment” & “Cleopatra” — LOVE the concept, love the selections & arrangements. The playing is good & appropriate, and the use of, or the blend of her voice w/the woodwinds, the “exotic” percussion... 5-stars for concept, theme & execution on this one. Great stuff. Very radio friendly... Dave Fabilli, Jazz Radio, Point Park, Penn

Pop Culture Classics’ Recommended CDs, DVDs and Books By Paul Freeman BLACK OLIVE JAZZ- “EXOTICA” The seductive voice of Bay Area artist Kay Kostopoulos works wonders on a pleasing selection of tunes. Her vocals are extraordinarily expressive, as she explores the drama of each lyric. And the jazz arrangements she created with saxophonist Noel Jewkes captivate throughout. The lilting lovely piano work of Grant Levin also complements Kostopoulos’ voice. Intricate rhythm patterns add to the enticing quality of the sound. Kostopoulos transports the listener to exotic worlds with such numbers as the sensually undulating “Bali Hai,” as well as “A Night in Tunisia,” Caravan” and “Never Never Land.” Her voice wends intoxicatingly through the melody of “Lotus Land.” Her rendition of Billy Strayhorn’s “Passion Flower” mesmerizes. There are two beautiful Kostopoulos/Jewkes originals - “Wisteria” and “Cleopatra and the Viper.” “Out of This World” is another high-light. The Black Olive Jazz of Kay Kostopoulos is a cocktail sure to make you forget your troubles.’

Kay’s work was featured in “O” magazine. http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Body-Language-Signs-Body- Language-of-Women/2

Kay has also been featured on NPR’s Philosophy Talk radio program http://philosophytalk.org/shows/faces- feelings-and-lies for her work on understanding facial emotions in the treatment of Autism.

Kay is an MFA graduate of American Conservatory Theatre, where she taught acting and directed student projects as a core faculty member of A.C.T.’s Advanced Training Program. At Stanford, Kay performed multiple voices in “Encountering Homer’s Odyssey,” an online classics program through the Stanford/Princeton/Yale Alliance. She has directed and performed in educational and centennial projects. Kay has acted in many Bay Area and regional theaters, including A.C.T., the Magic Theatre, the San Francisco and California Shakespeare Festivals, and Stanford Summer Theatre. She has additional credits in voiceover, film, and television and performs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. www.blackolivejazz.comKay Kostopoulos of Black Olive Business has taught at Stanford University for over 22 years. Kay teaches acting, voice and speech in Stanford’s Department of Theatre, Continuing Studies Program, School of Education, and The Clayman Institute for Gender Research. She has created and directed training programs for the School of Medicine.

Katie Bull

One of the most stimulating, adventurous and consistently surprising jazz singers on the scene today, Katie Bull is never predictable, even when melodically exploring a vintage ballad. Her work with multi-media productions has been innovative, she has recorded seven diverse and high-quality CDs, and she is enthusiastic about constantly stretching herself. "My whole body voice practice grounds me in the moment with my band...I love playing with consummate improvisors, the act of listening, the adventure of not knowing what is coming next..."

Artistic talent runs in Katie Bull’s family. Her father Richard Bull was a jazz pianist and a dance improviser, her mother Fran Bull - still alive - is a notable painter, and her stepmother Cynthia Novack was a dance anthropologist and improviser. Born in New York City, she grew up in upstate New York in Brockport, a small town. “I remember early on hearing my father playing jazz piano. We had a regular jam session in our home that ranged from bebop to totally out. I could always hear the melody in my head, even though it wasn’t being played!” She often accompanied her dad to his gigs and to events that he produced. After they moved back to Manhattan, a 15-year old Katie sang standards weekly at Walker’s in NYC with her father accompanying her on piano.

Nefertari Bey

Born: September 29, 1980

In today’s time, one thing that’s usually not synonymous with the younger generation is the love and appreciation of jazz music. Well, 25-year-old vocalist, pianist, composer and arranger, Nefertari Bey, is making a unique, exciting impression on the jazz industry with her unparalleled talent and sultry voice. Nefertari Bey was born in Oakland, California, but had the privileged of growing up in places such as Detroit, Chicago, South Carolina & North Carolina. With having such strong musical influence at home, Nefertari naturally gravitated toward music, and began singing at the age of 5

Max Shumake

Born: August 26, 1963

Max has sung a variety of music from Rock to Country, but has never been able to shake his love for good solid Jazz/Pop music. He delivers a good clean raw sound with a wide variety of vocal ranges, always settling down with a smooth breathy tone. “I have a thing for the crooning type voice".

Marc Courtney Johnson

Born: September 5, 1967

"Jazz is a natural fit for many of the things I've been doing instinctively as a vocalist for some time. I cannot wait to see where this journey will lead in a year or two." Marc has been involved with music in some capacity all of his life. He sang in church youth choirs off and on from age 5 through 13. In junior high he was introduced to the clarinet and developed a love for classical music, playing in symphony & marching bands in high school. Marc began college at Northern Illinois University where he briefly pursued a vocal performance degree, studying for a semester with Basso Cantante Myron Myers