Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Alicia Cunningham was born Alicia Rodriguez of Mexican heritage on October 5, 1946 in Los Angeles, California. A classically trained vocalist and pianist, she worked in the L.A. studios and as an educator at Loyola University in her early years.
Meeting her husband Don was fortuitous when he moved to Los Angeles in the early 70s. Their combination of his jazz-influenced energetic singing style and Alicia’s fluid, clear and lyrical sound, established a solid reputation. This would lead to a tour with Count Basie in Europe for five months at major events and jazz festivals in England and Switzerland.
She was an intricate and melodic harmonizer and arranger and paired with the Cunningham stage presentation, they offered enormous panache. They not only kept her hometown audiences satisfied but they traveled around the country and the world thrilling listeners in Europe, Canada, Singapore, Brazil, Japan, Indonesia and South Korea.
In 2012, they released their final album together titled Sao Paulo Lights that was recorded in Brazil. In the autumn of 2014, Alicia made her last performance in St. Louis when Don received a St. Louis Jazz Hall of Fame Award.
Vocalist Alicia Cunningham, who sang hard jazz, transitioned in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 23, 2014 at the age of 68 after battling cancer for a year.
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Daily Dose Of Jazz…
Barbara Paris was born on October 2, 1954 in Denver, Colorado and from an early age listened to Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Mel Torme and Frank Sinatra. Constantly listening to the radio she memorized every song she heard. She sang with her church choir, played violin, took piano lessons and began playing the guitar at 15. She started out singing folk music but gravitated to jazz.
After high school graduation at 16, she moved to Boulder, Colorado and began a successful hairdresser career. However, it was on vacation in St. Thomas that she met Louis Armstrong veteran Eddie Shu and subsequent encouragement led her to the stage.
Barbara made her debut as a jazz singer while in Paris, France. There an acquaintance told her about Denver resident pianist Joe Bonner and upon her return tracked him down and a 23 year musical partnership commenced. She has worked with Freddie Hubbard, Junior Mance, Joe Pass, and recorded with Nancy Wilson’s rhythm section, pianist Llew Matthews, bassist John B. Williams and drummer Roy McCurdy, among numerous others.
Vocalist Barbara Paris continues to pursue performing, composing, recording, and clinics.
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ALLAN HARRIS ~ A NAT KING COLE CHRISTMAS
The Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, bandleader, and composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most accomplished and exceptional singer of his generation. Sharing the stage for this holiday celebration are pianist Arcoiris Sandoval, bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Norman Edwards.
Showtimes: 7:00pm & 9:00pm
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ALLAN HARRIS
Ever since he burst on the jazz scene in the latter part of the twentieth century, The Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, bandleader, and composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most accomplished and exceptional singer of his generation. Sharing the stage is pianist Arcoiris Sandoval, bassist Brandi Disterheft and drummer Norman Edwards.
Sets:
Walk-in music charge is $25 | Reserve tickets are $35 Sunday through Thursdays and $40 on Friday and Saturday.
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ALLAN HARRIS & KATE’S SOULFOOD
Ever since he burst on the jazz scene in the latter part of the twentieth century, The Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, bandleader, and composer Allan Harris has reigned supreme as the most accomplished and exceptional singer of his generation. Special guest, Grammy Award winner, Swiss born harmonica player and composer, Gregoire Maret adds a unique and compelling new voice across a wide spectrum of the modern jazz world. Sharing the stage is pianist Arcoiris Sandoval, bassist Marty Kenney and drummer Norman Edwards.
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