Claudia Acuña brings serene sounds to Jazz Showcase

In the music business, five years without a new CD is practically an eternity.

But radiant jazz singer Claudia Acuña has come back strong, with a startling release that — typically, for her — cuts against convention.

For starters, she sings almost entirely in Spanish on her superb new recording, “En Este Momento” (Marsalis Music), which translates to “At This Moment.” That’s clearly not a quick-and-easy way to re-establish yourself in the marketplace, concedes Acuña, who opens Thursday night at the Jazz Showcase. Read more »

Submitted by crwadmin on September 22nd, 2009 — 12:00am

Claudia Acuña Quintet at the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, 9/24-27

Born in Santiago and raised in Concepcion, Chile, Acuña began singing Chilean folk/pop, rock, fusion and opera, drawing inspiration from Chilean music pioneers Violeta Parra and Victor Jara. At the age of 15 she discovered her first “outside” musical model: Frank Sinatra. Acuña finally “felt at home” when she heard the voices of Sinatra, Erroll Garner and Sarah Vaughan. Read more »

Submitted by crwadmin on September 21st, 2009 — 12:00am

Miguel Zenón Esta Plena Quintet @ The Jazz Showcase

Date: 09.14.2009
Publication: All About Jazz
Author: General Release


Saxophonist/Composer Miguel Zenón will be bringing his Esta Plena Quintet to the Jazz Showcase in Chicago, Ill. from October 8th thru 11th, 2009 in celebration of his new Marsalis Music release “Esta Plena.”

“This young musician and composer is at once reestablishing the artistic, cultural, and social tradition of jazz while creating an entirely new jazz language for the 21st century.”-MacArthur Foundation,2008.
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Submitted by Ben on September 14th, 2009 — 12:00am

Habitat for Humanity Dedicates 100th Home in 9th Ward's Musicians' Village

Another positive event that took place on the Katrina anniversary was the dedication of the 100th house completed in the Musicians’ Village. The brain child of jazz artists Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis, this settlement mixes homes for purchase with some rental units to serve the special economic needs of those who express the soul of New Orleans through sound. These music stars have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to create this oasis to help fellow artists return to their beloved home and thrive. Read more »

Submitted by crwadmin on August 30th, 2009 — 12:00am

Here's what one fan had to say…Newport Jazz Festival 2009 review

Date: 08.11.2009
Publication: Fan Blog
Author: Ken Laster

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Submitted by Ben on August 11th, 2009 — 12:00am