VAA Women in Jazz: Cocoa Martini

Hear award-winning talent when VAA’s Women in Jazz Series continues in February with Cocoa Martini. Featuring three talented Seattle-area vocalists – Kimberly Reason, Kay Bailey and Nadine Shanti, these distinctive female soloists are backed by Northwest jazz luminaries Bill Anschell on piano, Chuck Kistler on bass and Brian Kirk on drums.
 
Cocoa Martini consistently delights and surprises their enthusiastic audiences. Expect inventive vocal ensemble harmonies and a dynamic, eclectic repertoire of straight-ahead jazz mixed with lively Latin standards and infused with pop, funk and old-school soul – perfect for a Valentine’s weekend outing. Libations and treats included!
 
Since the ensemble’s sold-out debut at the Triple Door in 2007, Cocoa Martini has grown to become a Northwest jazz favorite. They have been featured on Seattle Channel TV’s "Art Zone," lauded by The Seattle Times and heard on KKNW 1150 AM’s Urban Forum Northwest. The group earned Earshot Jazz Society’s prestigious Golden Ear Award for Best Vocalist of the Year in 2009.
 
Seattle native Kimberly Reason, known for her ability to sing finger-popping swing and tender, crystal-toned ballads, discovered jazz through her mother, who grew up in a tenement off Jackson Street during Seattle’s legendary 1940’s jazz scene. Reason studied piano at Cornish College of the Arts, sang in church choirs and has performed at venues including Jazz Alley, Tulaʼs, The Sorrento Hotel and many others. She has produced two CDs: the eponymous Kimberly Reason (2009) and Kimberly Reason with the Larry Fuller Trio (2004).
 
Kay Bailey, born in Cleveland, Ohio, played violin as a youth and in her teens took vocal classes. She currently performs with The Finn Hill Quartet at Cafe Harlequin in Kirkland and Anthony’s Home Port. Bailey selects music from different genres, rendering them with her own unique style in her classic jazz voice.
 
Born and raised in New Orleans, Nadine Shanti moved to Seattle in 1980, where she launched a versatile music career that includes performances throughout the world. Shanti has performed with Everett Symphony and Wenatchee Valley Symphony, served as guest instructor at the American International School in Lagos and toured the U.S. presenting workshops and concerts in Illinois. She currently teaches music for Everett School District. A prolific composer, Shanti co-wrote and starred in orchestral tributes to Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. Her compositions have been included in Volumes I and II of A New Anthology of Art Songs by African American Composers and are showcased on two self-released CDs, Down Home and Violet’s Lane.
 
Cocoa Martini Performs at the Blue Heron Arts Center Saturday, February 16, 7:30 pm. Tickets: $18/$22 and are for sale on the VAA website.
 
Tickets also available now for Jewell Jazz Quartet, March 16, 7:30 pm
Vashon Allied Arts
19704 Vashon Hwy SW Vashon
206-463-5131
www.vashonalliedarts.org