Ashleigh Smith wins the Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. I am so glad I attended the third Sarah Vaughan Competition. I felt the top 5 competitors were sterling examples of a high level of musicianship, voice technique, style and personality. A fine representation and reflection of todays advanced vocal jazz programs. These singers all play piano or saxophone and scat sing for days. The video clip Ive posted features the top 3 winners, although in my mind, all the girls were winners. The Frank Owens Trio provided accompaniment for the singers, Lyle Atkinson bs and Buddy Miles on drums. This was the wrong trio for the gig. All fine respected older jazz statesmen, but a modern trio is required for this competition. I hope Larry Rosen checked that out. Ms. Asheigh Smith was a favorite contestant from the first Sarah Vaughan Competition. She is clearly influenced by Dianne Reeves, in looks and sound affectations. Ashleigh was full of attitude and personality. 1st Runner up - Ms. Shacara Rogers absolutely killed everyone with her strong, trained voice, piercing through some blues powered by serious spirit. What a voice! 2nd. Runner up -Sarah McKenize is a graduate from Western Australian Academy of the Arts. She has clearly gotten the attention of U.S. Jazz Agents. She performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival this year. Id already heard the reports on this young ladies talent. Sarah was the most natural of all the singers. She came out in a blouse and plain skirt, hair in a pony tail and played piano and sang. Shes charming and we will see more of her. Kate Kelsey Sugg - you really should hear. She says she lives in Brooklyn, but shes teaching in Australia. She is yet another Australian wiz. Kate possesses a fat, full, breathy even vocal sound. She is a very interesting combination of todays modern singers. She scats great lines, inspired by her piano and saxophone work. Check her out ...katekelseysugg/ Kathryn Christie is a New Yorker these days. She is another grad from North Texas States Jazz Program. She is a lovely singer, sweet improviser, pianist and composer. If you see her name somewhere- go and hear her. kathrynchristie/ All of these singers were inspiring. Congratulations to Larry Rosen at Jazz Roots, John Schreiber at NJPAC, WBGO and all the judges, Ann Hampton Callaway, Nneena Freelon, Gary Walker and Christina McBride. The attention to Sarah Vaughans talent and music is always a winner.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Nov 2014 14:55:44 +0000