The Sophisticated Ladies at Bliss Bar

The Sophisticated Ladies, from France, are inspired by the great composers of the early era of jazz. Some favorites are Billy Strayhorn, Van Heusen, Gershwin, & Jobim, & the result truly emanates from the heart. Having diverse backgrounds the Ladies enjoy mixing cultures & not only swing but also groove to a multitude of rhythms: Cha Cha, Tumbao, Samba & African rhythms. In addition the Ladies all sing as well as play allowing for beautiful harmonizations. In the 1930’s jazz was a popular music appreciated by a wide audience. People came together to play, listen & dance. The Sophisticated Ladies Quartet celebrates this art form & plays the great compositions in a manner which can still be enjoyed by a wide audience. Like jazz, the Ladies are from diverse backgrounds & bring with them their rich cultural heritages. Rachael Magidson from the CA Bay Area, grew up singing Broadway shows at school & listening to old swing with her grandparents. She moved to Europe where she was introduced to many Senegalese musicians who introduced her to the basics of African percussion. Valerie Chane-Tef is from the island of La Réunion. She was surrounded by African music growing up, & has become a prominent pianist in France with her highly developed sense of rhythm. Nolwenn Leizour (upright bass) & Emilie Calmé (flute) are both from the South West of France. Musical education there is rigorous & creates both virtuosity & a highly developed sense of harmony. All the richness of jazz and its origins are found in the music of the quartet....

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The Sophisticated Ladies, from France, are inspired by the great composers of the early era of jazz. Some favorites are Billy Strayhorn, Van Heusen, Gershwin, & Jobim, & the result truly emanates from the heart. Having diverse backgrounds the Ladies enjoy mixing cultures & not only swing but also groove to a multitude of rhythms: Cha Cha, Tumbao, Samba & African rhythms. In addition the Ladies all sing as well as play allowing for beautiful harmonizations. In the 1930’s jazz was a popular music appreciated by a wide audience. People came together to play, listen & dance. The Sophisticated Ladies Quartet celebrates this art form & plays the great compositions in a manner which can still be enjoyed by a wide audience. Like jazz, the Ladies are from diverse backgrounds & bring with them their rich cultural heritages. Rachael Magidson from the CA Bay Area, grew up singing Broadway shows at school & listening to old swing with her grandparents. She moved to Europe where she was introduced to many Senegalese musicians who introduced her to the basics of African percussion. Valerie Chane-Tef is from the island of La Réunion. She was surrounded by African music growing up, & has become a prominent pianist in France with her highly developed sense of rhythm. Nolwenn Leizour (upright bass) & Emilie Calmé (flute) are both from the South West of France. Musical education there is rigorous & creates both virtuosity & a highly developed sense of harmony. All the richness of jazz and its origins are found in the music of the quartet.
www.blissbarsf.com

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