Artist Spotlight
Artist Spotlight Esperanza Spalding
If “esperanza” is the Spanish word for hope, then bassist, vocalist and composer Esperanza Spalding could not have been given a more fitting name at birth. Blessed with uncanny instrumental chops, a multi-lingual voice that is part angel and part siren, and a natural beauty that borders on the hypnotic, the 25-year-old prodigy-turned-pro might well be the hope for the future of jazz and instrumental music.
Artist Spotlight Greg Abate
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Saxophonist Greg Abate
By Bob Protzman
In 2006 reviewer Bob Protzman interviewed Greg Abate prior to a performance at an Erie, Pennsylvania, jazz club, papermoon.
Stacey Kent
STACEY KENT
"She has charm to burn, a smile that could give you hope in February and sings like nobody's business." -- Joanne Kaufman, Wall Street Journal
Stacey Kent
STACEY KENT
"She has charm to burn, a smile that could give you hope in February and sings like nobody's business." -- Joanne Kaufman, Wall Street Journal
The story of Stacey Kent's rise to international fame reads like a Hollywood script. An American language student visits Europe to study French, Italian and German for a Masters degree in comparative literature. Her life takes an unexpected twist that sees Stacey Kent become one of the world's foremost jazz singers.
DAVID SANDBORN
DAVID SANBORN
“It’s all about finding the right note at the right place and knowing when to leave well enough alone. And that's a lifelong quest.” -David Sanborn
Renowned and revered the world over as one of the greatest saxophone players of all-time, David Sanborn is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians while creating a body of work that spans the genres of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, pop and jazz. A naturally gifted performer, David has helped defined the saxophone’s modern sound while influencing a generation.
“It’s all about finding the right note at the right place and knowing when to leave well enough alone. And that's a lifelong quest.” -David Sanborn
Renowned and revered the world over as one of the greatest saxophone players of all-time, David Sanborn is an artist whose music has inspired countless other musicians while creating a body of work that spans the genres of rock ‘n’ roll, R&B, pop and jazz. A naturally gifted performer, David has helped defined the saxophone’s modern sound while influencing a generation.
Cassandra Wilson
Over the last two decades Cassandra Wilson has emerged as one of the most celebrated jazz singers in the world—and with one album a year since 1985, she also ranks as one of the most prolific. Because of her openness to experimentation with grooves and repertoire, Wilson's work over the years has expanded our definition of what vocal jazz is—and perhaps in some ways has
called into question whether vocal jazz has any defining characteristics at all.
Ernestine Anderson
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: ERNESTINE ANDERSON
“She can sing the blues, and she can sing a ballad. She can swing you out of the country!”
--Etta James
Curtis Fuller
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: CURTIS FULLER “What is as remarkable about Curtis Fuller as his lyrical improvising and ingenious writing is his personality. On the road, on stage, or in the studio, Curtis is a relaxed professional who lifts every situation with his incredible sense of humor and his natural sparkle.” Michael Cuscuna, record producer and writer
