Gretchen Parlato keeps her jazz options open

The singer's eclectic influences on her 2011 album, 'The Lost and Found,' had critics scrambling for superlatives, and she's just hitting her stride as a writer.

Singer Gretchen Parlato. (David Bartolomi, David Bartolomi / January 19, 2012)

Though this year's Grammy nominations in jazz are without any Earth-rippling surprises à la last year's new-artist breakthrough by Esperanza Spalding, L.A.-born singer-songwriter Gretchen Parlato could've been considered a solid bet to follow in her footsteps if ours was the sort of world where lightning could strike twice.

Though Parlato's 2011 album, "The Lost and Found," was overlooked by the Recording Academy, it was a fixture on many best-of lists at the end of the year, including Rhapsody's inaugural Jazz Critics' Poll (formerly hosted at the Village Voice). Touching on a similarly eclectic lineup of influences that includes elements of pop, funk and Brazilian music, the record could sit comfortably next to Spalding's "Chamber Music Society," led by Parlato's lilting voice and a sharp band given ample room to shine. And like the record that helped break Spalding to a national audience, hers isn't a typical jazz recording.

"It is her sound, her phrasing, her interpretation that makes her interesting," KCRW host Tom Schnabel wrote in an email. Schnabel also chose "The Lost and Found" as his album of the year on the station's website. "She's not just another jazz singer tackling old jazz tunes that have been covered way too much already"....

For the full article, please click on the following link: LA Times Jan 20, 2012

Because I'm such a fan, I'm delighted to announce that Roseanna Vitro is submitted in the "vocal jazz" category for Grammy consideration!

Her project, The Music of Randy Newman, was presented at an extremely-well-received Jazz Bakery "Movable Feast" in May of this year.

This can also be viewed on our facebook page by clicking here.

Straight out of the '60s -- here's a rare clip from TV's 'Shindig' featuring Ruth Price and Stan Getz performing "The Telephone Song." (Thank you, James Gavin!) That's Gary Burton on vibes and Gene Cherico (we think) on bass. Can anyone identify the drummer? — with Ruth Price.

p.s. Thank you to all who helped solve the mystury drummer, it was indeed Joe Hunt !

Put quite simply, there would be no Jazz Bakery if there were no Maury Hall.  He forcibly convinced me to take it on.

We miss his wisdom and steadying influence, and his unswerving support and love of the music.

From Ruth Price, President & Artistic Director, and the entire Jazz Bakery Board of Directors

Dear Ruth,

You make the jazz world a better place. I also thank you for all your support over the past few years – encouraging me and helping me build an audience in Los Angeles. Of all the venues I've even played your's is my favorite (even "on the move") because it's so personal and you book with your heart and ears which, ultimately, I believe is good for business because audiences know they can rely on you. You're the NPR of jazz clubs!

See you in 2012

love from Tess Souter