The Custin Jazz Series brings two outstanding jazz musicians to WTA’s Gateway on Saturday February 9. The 8 pm performance unites jazz singer Stephanie Nakasian with jazz pianist Hod O’ Brien in an evening of classic American jazz. The evening is one of a kind and made possible by a grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Known as one of the world’s leading jazz singers, Stephanie Nakasian will take you on a fantasy swing voyage, fresh and authentic that transcends the Great Ladies of Song in both tribute and originality. Capturing the heart of audiences with her extensive repertoire, reaching from Jazz to Broadway, Stephanie creates an atmosphere of romance and excitement that will transport you to another place and time.
A prolific recording artist with 11 celebrated albums, including her recent “Billie Remembered” which was featured on NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, Stephanie continues to perform live with ensemble, orchestra or in duo with her partner, internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Hod O’Brien.
Concert appearances as a featured artist include performances with Urbie Green, Pat Metheny, Bobby McFerrin, Milt Hinton, Clark Terry, J.R. Monterose, Joe Temperly, Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Sheila Jordan, Bob Dorough, Valery Ponomarev and (with Jon Hendricks) Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes, and Annie Ross, to name a few.
Jazz fans all over the world revel in the opportunity to experience Hod O’Brien’s spirited tempos and seasoned pure style as he sets the standard from ballads to bebop that is both rare and true. A master of bebop piano, Hod cut his teeth with Oscar Pettiford Quintet, replacing Bill Evans in the late 50’s. A charter member of “the underground of jazz renowned” Hod is being “discovered in his prime” having played with people like Art Farmer, Stan Getz, and Donald Byrd. He’s had a number of triumphant tours in Japan and has been featured on the cover of Jazz Journal magazine (England) and in a feature article in Jazz Times, to name a few.
Hod continues to record a lot as a leader with 9 CDs out since 2004. He was selected as one of 10 pianists to perform in Japan on the Fujitsu 100 Gold Fingers Tour, along with Kenny Barron, Cedar Walton, Junior Mance, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, Don Friedman, Joao Donato and Gerald Clayton. As well, he has two recordings on the Fresh Sound label featuring West Coast greats Tom Warrington and Paul Kreibich. In 2010 Hod released his solo CD “Solo for Chet” followed by “It Don’t Mean A Thing” in 2011 receiving great acclaim for its perfectly excecuted standards and sharp solos. Hod was recently featured Marian McPartland’s “Piano jazz.”
Tickets are available online at www.wtagateway.com.
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