ABOUT
“Kenia, a consummate vocal talent who can deliver a song as well as anyone I’ve heard. Her voice is strong, her phrasing excellent, her delivery totally polished. And she makes you move.” —JazzTimes
Acclaimed Brazilian vocalist Kenia brings her group to Zinc jazz club on Thursday, April 25. She’s supported by pianist Klaus Mueller, bassist Tony DePaolis and drummer George Heid III.
Kenia is renowned for her ability to translate the complex rhythms of her Brazilian homeland into jazzy creations that made her a star of the smooth jazz movement two decades ago. Her 2016 release on Mooka Records, “On We Go,” is a fresh collection of songs that will entice a new generation of listeners, as it showcases Kenia at the top of her form with a seductive, polished vocal phrasing. “Once again, the vocalist has bridged jazz, international pop, and Brazilian music and done so effortlessly, in one of her best works to date” (Jazz Corner). “It’s hard to believe Kenia approaches any song with any trepidation. On her new album whether it’s the fast-moving, hip-swaying “Summertime” or the languid ballad, “Melancia,” she’s confident, as if engaged in a natural conversation with friends against a fantastic musical backdrop that refuses to stay down for long” (Carol Banks Weber – AXS). She has taken us on a beautiful, soulful journey, revisiting her beginnings and looking towards the future… “On We Go.”
Kenia’s music continues to transcend geographic and musical boundaries. Throughout her storied recording career, Kenia has performed at national and international festivals from the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival to the Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival in the ABC Islands. She has collaborated not only with jazz icons but also with up and coming artists, such as a 2011 show with Pittsburgh-based trumpeter Sean Jones. She is equally enchanting performing standards by big names (Gershwin, Lennon and McCartney), works by contemporary composers (Romero Lubambo, Luiz Simas) and original material with her own lyrics and music composed for Kenia by the likes of Antonio Adolfo.
Showtimes are at 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Tickets: $25 advance / $30 day of show. For more info call (212) 477-9462 or visit https://www.zincjazz.com. Alternatively, you may purchase tickets directly through Eventbrite at https://intouchent.eventbrite.com.