Maria Gentile: A world class singer.
A world-class
singer and entertainer with an enormous talent at so many
levels. Winner of the 2004 MAC Award for "Song of the Year”,
Maria Gentile (AEA SAG ASCAP AFTRA) is a singer, songwriter,
actress, and comedienne who spent 6 years in the hit
Off-Broadway show Tony & Tina's Wedding as Bridesmaid Marina
Gallino. In January of 2000, she released her debut CD, So
Many Pieces of Me, which features twelve original
compositions. Three of the songs from that CD can be heard
in the independent feature film In Passing, written and
directed by Kate Fitzgerald.
From 1992 through
1997, Maria also worked for the Center for Family Life in
Brooklyn, where she taught improvisational acting, vocals,
and creative writing for in-school and after-school
programs. She also wrote over 30 songs for their original
productions. One of these, La Bodega, was performed at the
Brooklyn Academy of Music in the spring of 1997. The title
song is featured on Maria's first
CD. Maria has worked with Simply Elementary since 1998,
performing for schools all over the tri-state area. She
recently co-wrote the book and theme song for one of their
new educational workshops.
Maria has performed at Caroline's Comedy Club
in New York, and can be seen every Monday and Friday night
at The Duplex, New York's legendary cabaret and piano bar.
At the Duplex, she and co-writer Susan Campanaro had very
successful runs with the original show The B is Broke, and
its sequel The B Don't Come Here Anymore. Maria has
completed her second CD of original songs, entitled That...
Which is Real. One of the tracks off the album, "I'd Rather
Never Know" was nominated for 2005 MAC Song of the Year, and
anoher, "Kindness Makes Me Cry", was named 2004 MAC song of
the year! Another composition, "If I Was a Boy" (co-written
with Caren Cole), was nominated for 2003 MAC song of the
year.
Press quotes: “The voice of an angel and the
work ethic of Italian immigrant parents.”-The Bergen Record.
“A treasure trove of original songs!”-Cabaret Hotline. “If
you have hung out at the piano bar area of The Duplex for
any length of time, you may already be familiar with Maria
Gentile as she works there as a performing server. Cabaret
viewers who attended The Duplex's acclaimed New Mondays
series may have been fortunate enough to have seen Gentile
and her writing partner, Caren Cole, present some of their
original compositions, one of which ("Kindness Makes Me
Cry") won the 2006 MAC Award for "Song of the Year."
Gentile's album, That ...Which is Real, is a
collection of eleven original compositions sung by Gentile,
who possesses a roughened rock/folk voice that pierces right
to the heart. Her lyrics are sharp and honest, especially on
her 9/11 tribute, "Amputated Skyline," which is one of the
most effective numbers tackling the topic that I have heard,
due in no small part to its evocative simplicity. Other
highlights include "I'd Rather Never Know," a touching
number on a dying relationship, and "If I Was a Boy," a
heartrending number seeking a distant father's love.”-Talkin’
Broadway.com. Ms. Gentile is listed in the World Who's
Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
Joni
Janak
Jazz After Hour said: “Her voice and phrasing
– perfect.” Jazz Journal said: “A talent of international
quality.”
Born
and raised in Amarillo, Texas, vocalist Joni Janak attended
college at Texas Tech University on a Vocal Scholarship.
Her passion for music began when she was very
young. With the attraction for the vocal style of Doris Day
as her early influence, Joni soon journeyed into the world
of jazz. Her innate talent was influenced by her
music-oriented family, as well as listening to the likes of
Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Dakota Staton, Ethel Ennis,
Irene Kral, June Christy, and other singers – especially
those fronting big bands. Her grandparents and parents
owned, operated and taught in the Amarillo College of
Music.In 1969, she moved to Denver, Colorado and has lived
there since.
She is considered to be The Song
Stylist in that geographic location – and to the ears of
many fans, The Singer of Choice throughout the world.
Her reputation for excellence is heard in her performances,
as well as on her recordings as a leader, Let’s Live Again (JLECD-
44004), The Wind (JLECD-4123), and on Centerpiece Jazz’ Get
Outta Here! (JLECD-8400) on the Jazz Link Enterprises label.
She is also featured on (drummer) Ron Moewes’ CD, Ron Moewes
and Friends: All This You Gave to Me (JLECD-6099).
Additionally, she is heard on several of KUVO-89.3 FM
24-hour-a-day jazz radio station’s live Performance Studio
CDs that are compilations of musicians used for fund-raising
premiums. Joni’s voice can be heard on many national as well
as international commercials. Performing professionally
since age 13, she has worked and/or recorded with such
notables as Carl Fontana, Stefan Karlsson, Marvin Stamm, Ed
Soph, Tom Warrington, Ross Tompkins, Carson Smith, Bill
Watrous, Andy Simpkins, Jake Hanna, Bob Cooper and Conte,
Pete Candoli, Peter Barbutti, and Ralph Sharon.
She has worked with many musicians in
Colorado, including Ellyn Rucker, Ron Moewes, Ed Stephen,
Dean Ross, Dale Bruning, Rich Chiaraluce, Eric Gunnison,
Jeff Jenkins, The Gordon Dooley Orchestra, Ken Walker, Roger
Campbell, Mark Simon, Colin Gieg, The Hot Tomatoes, Dean
Bushnell Big Band, and Paul Romaine. Her first European tour
occurred in Derry, Northern Ireland in 2001, followed by a
highly acclaimed appearance during the Derry Jazz Festival
in 2002 where she will be returning in April 2006. While
there, she was a guest on several television and radio
programs, including the BBC.
In the United States, her CDs are played by
syndicated radio hosts Bob Bednar, Bob Parlocha, Jim Wilke,
and Ross Gentile. Collectively, these radio programs are
heard in more than 100 cities throughout the United States,
as well as being streamed from their websites world-wide.
Ms. Janak is listed in the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret,
Music and Entertainment.
Peggy Judy
Who is Peggy
Judy? A living legend in her own right. Ms. Judy is the
glistening blonde 60’s starlet who parlayed a dead-end
career in Elvis movies into a knockout Vegas success story,
quaffed martinis with the ratpack and roared through
Hollywood in a Leopard-lined limousine, only to find
herself crashing and burning in the Glamour-girl fastlane.
But wait—that wasn’t the end of the indomitable Miss Peggy.
Peggy Judy is a
wannabe superstar whose indomitable spirit drove her to make
a comeback that audiences would never forget. And since
starring in her own sizzling cabaret act, the
silver-throated siren has wowed audiences up and down the
west coast with her accomplished vocals and rapier wit.
With a millennium of jazz classics and hits from the 60’s
and 70’s, including Route ’66, Diamonds Are Forever, My
Funny Valentine and Solitary Man, Peggy is a singer’s singer
and a comedy hit that cannot be denied. The original
creation of writer, singer and actress Molly Brandenburg,
Peggy Judy first appeared as a monologue in a late night
Hollywood comedy hit called Midnite Madness.
The character
later reappeared in an acclaimed stage musical, The Peggy
Judy Comeback Tour, co-created with screenwriter (Liar,
Liar) Steve Mazur, which was followed by The Peggy Judy
Christmas Special, and The Peggy Judy Summer Replacement
Show. From there, Peggy evolved into a solo performance
piece–one woman and a piano–with Peggy’s sly wit and
powerful vocals bringing her bookings at top Los Angeles
venues, including The Comedy Store, the Improv, The
Cinegrill, Café Largo, The Hudson Backstage and more.
Peggy’s shows at
Heaven nightclub in Palm Springs have been sellouts, and
Peggy became a San Francisco favorite with her knockout
performances at the Plush Room, and then Steve Murray’s Viva
Variety fundraising spectaculars.
Bay Area Reporter said: “Miss Peggy Judy…pulled off a
showstopper!” LA Weekly, (Critic’s List wrote): “A marvelous
parody of a lounge singer.” Village View said: “Peggy Judy
is a pure knockout from start to finish!” Drama-Logue said:
“Peggy Judy is a fetching blend of Monroe, Novak, and Connie
Stevens.” Los Angeles Times wrote: “…kitsch at its
funniest! The indomitable Miss Peggy Judy just won’t stay
down!” Palm Springs Desert Entertainer wrote: “If you love
leopard print, you’ll adore her. Otherwise, you’ll just
laugh your heart out!”
Ms. Judy is listed in the World Who's Who
in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
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David Gurland: A unique talent!
David Gurland is
one of the most dynamic, authentic and captivating artists
in the business. Vivacious, explosive, sensual and
intelligently innovative. Barbara and Scott Siegel wrote in
Show Business:
“David Gurland is a tenor with a soaring
voice who has the acting chops to give that voice depth and
meaning. Gurland stands out as a unique talent with a fresh
perspective.
His charisma
shines and his voice is a thrilling instrument. Among the
many qualities that distinguish him, is his versatility, he
can be both adorable and sexy at the same time.”
Backstage wrote:
“David
Gurland is one of the best male performers around. He gave
everything he did his own personal stamp. He sang his songs
not only beautifully, but with full conviction!” Time-Out NY
said: “A young singer of dramatic power and puckish
charm…honey voiced, pocket sized, sweetly demeanered and
incredibly sure handed at interpreting standards!”
The Daily News wrote: “David Gurland soars with a tenor
that’s sweeter than honey.
He sings with passion, personality and a
puckish sense of humor that’s all his own!” The New York
Post wrote: “Gurland’s trust in his own instincts seems for
the most part well founded. He sings songs that he clearly
loves and relates to, and his enthusiasm allows him to put
over!” The Blade said: “David Gurland shines as he brings
together a unique combination of classic pop confections in
an approachable, yet sophisticated setting.” The Village
Voice wrote: “There’s one element too few performers toss
into their mix: danger. This guy has no qualms about doing
so, and it makes his appearances especially intriguing. He’s
got a fire-plug physique, and a five alarm fire attitude
toward a song…A performer with that much edge bears very
close watching.”
Mr.
Gurland, who hails from New York City, has won a place as
one of the most formidable openly gay singers in New York’s
music scene. Channeling cabaret experience and instincts
into his pop/rock shows, Gurland merges talent, presence and
humor, into an unforgettable entertainment experience.
Gurland’s accolades include 4 MAC Award nominations, the
MAC/Hanson Award, a Gay and Lesbian American Music Award
Nomination, and three Bistro Awards, one of which recognized
his first CD, released in 1999 to rave reviews. Critics
have raved about both Gurland’s voice and his stage manner.
Wayman Wong of
The Daily News wrote “David Gurland soars with a tenor
that’s sweeter than honey…he sings with a passion,
personality and a puckish sense of humor that’s all his
own.” David Finkle of The Village Voice reviewed one
of Gurland’s recent live performances saying “Gurland makes
excitement. “ David Hurst of Next Magazine wrote
“Looking relaxed and sounding fantastic, Gurland’s edgy
tenor voice lends itself perfectly to the pop-rock idiom.”
David has been seen at The Cutting Room, The Bitter End,
Town Hall, CB’s Gallery, The Living Room, Don’t Tell Mama,
The Duplex, and Fez, as well as out of town venues like
Odettes in New Hope, The Gardenia in LA, the Manor in NJ and
Twiggs in San Diego.
In addition, Mr.
Gurland has performed at the
Metropolitan Room, BB Kings, Ace of Clubs, and will be
premiering 6 new shows over the course of 6 months at the
Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Café.
Mr.
Gurland is listed in the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret,
Music and Entertainment.
Stephanie
Jordan
Stephanie Jordan is
the fifth performer to emerge from a family of New Orleans
bred musicians. As the daughter of saxophonist Edward
“Kidd” Jordan, Stephanie’s musical roots run deep.
Siblings include flutist Kent Jordan, trumpeter Marlon
Jordan, and violinist Rachel Jordan.
Stephanie Jordan is
a premier jazz vocalist. On her performance during the
national televised Jazz at the Lincoln Center Higher
Ground Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert, JazzTimes
Magazine writes “Stephanie Jordan, a standout here, was
the real discovery of the evening.
Her haunting
rendition of (Here’s to Life) this bittersweet ode
associated with Shirley Horn was delivered with uncanny
poise and a dept of understated soul that mesmerized the
crowd and registered to the back rows. Singing with a
clarity of diction that recalled Nat “King” Cole…”The
Here’s to Life track with her siblings Marlon, Kent,
and Rachel is one of the selected songs on Blue Note
Records’ Higher Ground CD. Recorded live,
this historic evening mounted by Wynton Marsalis less than
3 weeks after the devastating hurricane assembled an
amazing array of talent from the world of jazz, including
Norah Jones, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Herbie Hancock,
Diana Krall, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Terrence
Blanchard, Aaron Neville and others in addition to the
Jordan Family.
Jazz at Lincoln
Center notes, “every so often a new voice stands up and
proclaims itself, but few do so with such supreme depth
and understated soul.”
Her four shows in
October 2006 during Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “Singers
Over Manhattan” series in the Allen Room left them
wanting for more.
Stephanie and Marlon
embark this past fall as Jazz Ambassadors on a European
Tour as part of the Higher Ground Relief effort sponsored
by the U.S. Department of State and Jazz at Lincoln Center
to thank the people of Europe for their support of New
Orleans and the Gulf Region following Hurricane Katrina.
Gambit Weekly Music
declares, “Stephanie Jordan is a lady with a great set of
pipes. Anyone who has ever romanced their honey to Johnny
Adams’s moody, lounge-lizard smoky vocals on ‘You Don’t
Know What Love Is’ will thrill to Stephanie’s
silk-between-the-fingers treatment of that song, the title
cut.”
All About Jazz adds,
“Her tone is crisp, perfect, but not in that polished way
that sounds like an opera singer attempting jazz. She is
more like a master of technique, yet with plenty of
soul.” Jazz critic Sandy Ingram writes “She’s a singer
with poise and pizzazz, with a voice and an appealing look
that bring to mind Carmen McRae and Lena Horn.”
Stephanie’s lyrical style has also been compared to Norah
Jones and Diana Krall, while others say it’s more like
living legends Cassandra Wilson and Dianne
Reeves. Recently, Ms. Jordan has appeared live on NPR Talk
of the Nation, The Kennedy Center, Jazz Standard New York,
Duke Ellington Festival, Washington, D.C., Chicago
JazzFest Heritage, Glenwood Springs, Co., the New Orleans
Ladies of Jazz, Adagio’s Jazz Club in Savannah, Hayti
Heritage Center in Durham, Sweet Lorraine’s in New Orleans
and is a regular at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage
Festival. Stephanie has opened for NaJee, Roy Ayres, and
Howard Hewitt.
She has collaborated
with her sister, Rachel Jordan, in a fully staged concert
with strings from the Louisiana Philharmonic and her Jazz
Quintet entitled “Stephanie with Strings.”
A version of this performance featuring her brother, Kent
Jordan, was repeated with the Alabama Symphony. Stephanie
made her debut at Takoma Station Jazz Club. She joined the
Doug Carne Band in an unrehearsed rendition of “I Remember
April.” Within a few months she developed a loyal following
and became much sought after. She has performed at many of
the Washington, D.C. jazz haunts such as Twins Jazz Lounge,
Blues Alley, and Carter Baron Amphitheater. Stephanie has
also appeared at the opening of the Schomburg Center of the
New York Public Library, Langston Hughes Auditorium in New
York City, the Marciac Jazz Festival in France, and Jazz
Aspen.
She accepted an extended engagement at “The Palace” Hotel in
Istanbul, Turkey and upon her return became a
regular-featured performer at Harrah’s Casino in New
Orleans. Recognized internationally, the Sud Ouest French
publication calls her “unbelievably superb.” The
Washingtonian Magazine labeled her “JAZZHOT.” In addition
to these accolades Ms. Jordan was awarded 1st
prize in the “Billie Holliday Competition” in Baltimore,
Maryland. In 1995 Stephanie Jordan performed the title
soundtrack “Season’s Start” in the Tribecca Film release of
Café Society staring Lara Flynn Boyle and Peter Gallagher.
Ms. Jordan is listed in the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
Randa Ghossoub: A
vibrant elan of world music.
One of the most delightful and meaningful
talent discoveries of 2006. A great find indeed. Ms.
Ghossoub added an extra touch to contemporary jazz; she
blended it with Middle Eastern exotic charm, European
intellectualism and elegance, a vibrant élan of world
music, all together with an exquisite musical taste and
tenderly vocal virtuosity. This young and captivating
singer is the real thing.
Ms. Ghossoub echoes this veracity when she
said: “Singing is the union of the sound and the
thought.” You add intelligent talent to romanticism, an
authentic outcry of the inner feelings to distinctive
jazzy improvisation and you will get a bouquet of superbly
crafted and delivered songs and standards. And this is
exactly what Randa Ghossoub did. She succeeded. The future
is bright for this young bursting talent.
Randa is the
first Lebanese Jazz singer who immersed herself in this
genre at an early age. Born in Lebanon, she is today the
result of a real multicultural background.
Ms. Ghossoub is listed in the World
Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
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Allan
Harris: Charisma and stage presence par excellence!
Winner of the 2004 New York
Nightlife Award for “Outstanding Male Jazz Vocalist.”
Amidst a serious shortage of great male jazz singers,
Allan Harris is a blessing. With a rich velvety voice
and a dynamic stage manner, Harris’ voice and demeanor
project the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic
sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat ‘King'
Cole." Delivering a repertoire of familiar and beloved
standards, Harris’ romantically appealing voice reaches
out with the heartbreaking depth that caresses a song,
giving each its fullest respect by combining the best of
the past with his unique gifts to create something fresh
and distinctive. Besides having total vocal control,
Harris is also a superb musician with a natural ear, and
the ability to accompany himself on the guitar while
retaining his hallmark pinpoint vocal accuracy and
incredibly clear diction without affectation.
Now, with his new project, “Cross That
River,” Allan Harris displays his gift for song writing and
story telling. “Cross That River” is the first recording in
what will be a trilogy telling the amazing story of the
Black West. With this new project, Harris shows with
conviction, that not only does he have something to bring
to the world of jazz, but that he is one of the leading
male singer-songwriters of his generation. Allan Harris has
thrilled audiences all over the world and debuted many
unique one-of-a-kind performances. A few years ago Harris
was invited to initiate a jazz series at Sotheby's and he
created an historic event by teaming up with one of the
greatest piano accompanists of all time, Tommy Flanagan.
Flanagan, who was Ella Fitzgerald’s accompanist for twenty
years, had sworn off accompanying vocalists, but Harris was
able to change his mind. They called the evening “Our
Favorite Songs,” and when word got out, National
Public Radio requested permission to record it live. The
following year, Harris reprised that concert by performing
“Our Favorite Songs-2” with pianist Cyrus Chestnut. His
last concert series at Sotheby’s was a long awaited tribute
to the great Nat “King” Cole, which was recorded and aired
on XM Radio. Harris also created a concert tribute to Billy Strayhorn
with a lecture provided by the author of Lush Life, David Hajdu. This
lecture/concert series toured the country and was
last performed at the Kennedy Center where it was also
recorded by National Public Radio’s "Jazz Set with Dee Dee
Bridgewater." Harris has since reprised his tribute to Nat
“King” Cole at the Kennedy Center where it was recorded for
his next release. Recently, Harris was awarded the Chamber
Music America Residency Grant for his Cross That River
project which will tour schools in Harlem in 2007. This
past summer, NPR featured Cross That River on their program
“All Things Considered,” and the Aspen Writers Foundation
debuted a new series entitled “Lyrically Speaking”
featuring Allan Harris and the Cross That River band in a
concert/interview conducted by American Songwriter
Magazine editor Paul Zollo. Harris has sung and recorded
with some of the best jazz pianists in the world: Cyrus
Chestnut, Bill Charlap, Eric Reed, Benny Green, Bruce Barth,
and Tommy Flanagan. He has performed at sold-out
venues such as Berlin’s Komische Opera House; Israel - a 10
day standing-room-only tour; Finland’s Espoo Jazz Festival;
Sweden’s Linkoping Jazz Festival; New Zealand’s Queenstown
Jazz Festival; Germany’s Swing IT Concert/TV Series with the
New York Voices and James Morrison; Lugano, Switzerland with
Jon Faddis and the Big Band de Lausanne singing the lead in
Duke Ellington’s Sacred Mass which was recorded live. He
has recorded numerous CDs: Setting The Standard, It's a
Wonderful World, Here Comes Allan Harris and the Metropole Orchestra,
The Music of Duke Ellington, Laid Back, Love Came-The
Songs of Strayhorn, Unfortgettable-the Songs of Nat ‘King’
Cole, and Cross That River. Allan’s recordings have
featured Ray Brown, Mark Whitfield, Clark Terry, Claudio
Roditi, and Latin Grammy winner, Nestor Torres. Tony
Bennett has praised Allan’s technique and integrity and
called him “my favorite new singer.” At a showcase in New
York sponsored by Bennett, Sammy Cahn introduced Harris:
"Frank Sinatra says his favorite singer is Tony Bennett, and
Tony Bennett says his favorite singer is Allan Harris."
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Harris was
surrounded by music. His mother was a classical pianist and
his aunt was an opera singer who later turned to the
blues. Because Aunt Theodosia attracted the attention of
famed music producer Clarence Williams, (the man who made
Bessie Smith famous) he became a regular dinner guest and
often brought along other performers such as Louis
Armstrong. Once Armstrong even baby-sat and terrified young
Allan with his "frog like voice." Because of this musical
influence in his young life, Allan chose to become a
musician early on when his mother insisted he sing
“Blue Velvet” for school at the age of eight. Harris is also
a master clinician and teacher and has taught master classes
at JAS Aspen Academy working alongside Christian McBride
and Loren Schoenberg; Berklee School of Music, The Jazz
Vocal Coalition, City College’s Aaron Davis Hall, Lausanne,
Switzerland’s Jazz Music School, to name a few. Harris has
sat on the Kennedy Center panel to choose the next U.S. Jazz
Ambassador and has judged the Thelonious Monk Awards Vocal
Competition. Most recent performances include: Jazz at
Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall: 2004-Opening for Cassandra
Wilson during the inaugural week and debuting a new work by
Wynton Marsalis entitled “Suite for Human Nature;” January
21 & 22, 2005 - The Kennedy Center: "Unforgettable, The
Songs of Nat 'King' Cole;" and March 11, 2005 - "The Legacy
Series" at Aaron Davis Hall, in a double bill with Abbey
Lincoln performing the songs of Harlem's greatest
composers. On March 25, 2006 Harris debuted Cross That
River at Kennedy Center for Country Music Week. BET Jazz
has recorded and aired several of Allan's live concerts with
hosts Lou Rawls and Ramsey Lewis. CBS News has conducted 2
interviews with Harris about Cross That River. Will Friedwald,
the author of "Jazz Singing" and "Sinatra" calls him
"probably the most exciting singer on the scene." CNN's
Showbiz Tonight referred to Harris as "one of the three best
male jazz vocalists in the country." Press quotes: "Mr.
Harris, a supremely relaxed and tasteful crooner in the Nat
King Cole tradition."- Stephen Holden, NY Times. "Harris is
a velvet-voiced jazz singer, with a savvy manner and music
in his veins. Press materials tell us that no less than
Louis Armstrong babysat him when Harris was a child."-Steven
Suskin, Variety. Mr. Harris, as always, continually
improvised (in the middle of "Midnight Sun," he looked for
the stardust on his sleeve — a very Tony Bennett-like move)
to give his interpretations a first-person directness." Will
Friedwald, NY Sun. Mr. Harris is listed in the World
Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
Teri
Roiger
What a singer!
Style, finesse, vocal virtuosity, all are part of the
sparkling talent of Teri Roiger. Lauded by jazz writers
around the world, from Jazz Hot in Paris to
Playboy magazine, Teri Roiger's musical career began in
the Midwest where, at age 13, she became a church organist
and ensemble
singer. She eventually gravitated
toward her real love, jazz singing. The widely-renowned
stride pianist and clarinetist Butch Thompson discovered
Teri's singing talents and their duo performed at major
festivals and nightclubs in the U.S. and Europe. Upon
returning to the U.S., Teri worked in duos, trios, quartets,
and Big Bands throughout the Midwest. When she moved to NYC
to pursue her musical ambitions, she studied with Jay
Clayton, Sheila Jordan, and Jeanne Lee, among others. She
has performed and/ or recorded with Bruce Barth, John Betsch,
Kenny Burrell, Jay Clayton, Kris DeFoort, Jack DeJohnette,
Al Foster, Gil Goldstein, John Gunther, Fred Hersch, Frank
Kimbrough, Eric Legnini, Kirk Lightsey, Mark McLean, David
"Fathead" Newman, Dewey Redman, Roswell Rudd, Tani Tabbal,
Matt Wilson and many others. Teri Roiger’s uniquely
compelling vocal style is full of soul, swing, sincerity and
sass. She delivers something very exceptional in Still
Life (Maki Records) her latest ultra-hip CD of
innovative jazz standards and original compositions. She
breathes new possibilities into two Dewey Redman
compositions with her original lyrics, a Herbie Nichols tune
that has never before been recorded, and a seldom-heard
jewel of Billy Strayhorn’s. Already recognized as a
compelling lyricist, this is the first time Teri has
recorded her original music compositions, Still Life
and Boo Dah. Referred to by musicians and jazz
critics as “the real thing,” she has been compared to jazz
legends Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday, Carmen McRae and
Anita O’Day, but this CD reveals that Teri has developed
into a true individual jazz musician with her own sound. The
musicians she has chosen for this recording are exceptional
and some of the most in-demand players on the New York
scene. Frank Kimbrough (piano), Gil Goldstein (accordion),
John Menegon (bass), and Matt Wilson (drums) demonstrate
their exquisite musicianship, inspired by her playful
dignity. These musicians swing hard and each brings his own
special ingredient to the mix to create an exciting
inimitable sound. In 2006 Teri Roiger created her own record
company along with her husband, bassist John Menegon, called
Maki Records (makirecords.com). Teri currently tours Europe
with John Menegon on bass, Kris DeFoort and Kirk Lightsey on
piano, and John Betsch on drums. One of her most recent
concerts was titled “Ray, Stray and Lady Day” featuring the
legendary David “Fathead” Newman on sax, with music by Ray
Charles, Billy Strayhorn and Billie Holiday. Presenting the
music of Billy Strayhorn is an ongoing project of Teri's
originally presented at the Jazz Standard in New York City
with Frank Kimbrough, John Menegon, Mark McLean and tap
dancer Brenda Bufalino. Teri recorded and co-produced her
first CD, Misterioso, with John Menegon on bass,
Kenny Burrell on guitar, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. The
title song, Misterioso, has been changed to Listen
To Your Soul, as a result of the Thelonious Monk family
giving Teri permission to record her own lyrics to this jazz
master's tune, an uncommon privilege. Teri is also featured
on Menegon’s release Search Light which features the
legendary saxophonist Dewey Redman. Roiger performs
nationally and internationally at jazz festivals, concert
halls, nightclubs, art institutions and schools as a solo
artist on piano, a bass and voice duo with John Menegon, and
with her quartet. Living just outside of New York
City in the
Catskills, she is a teacher of jazz voice and jazz history
at SUNY New Paltz (New Paltz, NY) and Williams College
(Williamstown, MA). Some of the venues Teri has performed
include: New York city: 55 Bar, Birdland, Cornelia Street
Café, Five Spot, Jazz Standard, Knickbocker, Knitting
Factory, La Belle Epoque, Metronome, Sweet Rhythm. European
venues: La Palma Jazz Club (Rome), De Werf Jazz Club (Brugge,
Belgium), L’Archiduc (Brussels), L’inoui (Luxembourg),
Sheraton & Sounds (Brussels), Sunside (Paris), Weinlokal,
Maxburg (Germany). Canada: Clarendon (Quebec City),
Distillery Jazz Festival (Toronto), L’Air Du Temp
(Montreal), Fringe Dance Festival (Toronto). Miscellaneous
venues: Artist’s Quarter (St. Paul, MN), Minneapolis Hot
Summer Jazz Festival (Minneapolis, MN), Dakota Jazz Club
(Minneapolis, MN), Kleinert/James Arts Center (Woodstock,
NY), Kingston Jazz Festival (Kingston, NY), Lexington Arts
Center (Lexington, NY), Mohonk Jazz Festival (New Paltz,
NY), Omega Institute (Rhinebeck, NY), Toscani's (New Paltz,
NY), Yellow Bird Gallery (Newburgh, NY), Priory and Trumpets
(New Jersey), San Miguel Jazz Festival (San Miguel de
Allende, Mexico). Press quotes: “New York-based Teri Roiger
is a terrific, serious jazz singer who deserves a wider
audience. Ms. Roiger is listed in the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret,
Music and Entertainment.
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