"An understated vocalist and deft composer... Bauer's set was a study in focused emotional dissection, her voice as clear and pure as mountain rainwater.” - Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times

Jazz vocalist Lisa Bauer leads this quartet of acclaimed jazz instrumentalists, performing a special selection of her original compositions and rarely performed jazz standards. The set will feature works by composers such as Billy Strayhorn, Dizzy Gillespie, Alan Salinga, Tommy Turrentine, Hank Mobley, Curtis Lundey, Clifford Brown, Ray Bryant and lyricists Kurt Elling, Meredith d'Ambrosio & Paul Williams.

Lisa Bauer's debut album Finding A New Way (2010) was nominated for best traditional jazz album at the South African Music Awards in 2011. It features SA jazz giants Andre Petersen, Chantal Willie, Kesivan Naidoo with Mark Fransman and Maxim Starcke. The CD will be available for purchase on the night of the performance.

Reviews:

“Lisa Bauer’s music is full of joy. It is also full of soulfulness and sorrow, but her voice is packed with such delicacy that even woe sings like a plucked string. It is this quality that secured her debut album, Finding a New Way, a South African Music Awards nomination as well as glowing reviews from the jazz fraternity. Understated yet urgent, her vocals are spangled with the improvisational essence of jazz, the heartfelt essence of the blues and gospel and mystical riffs…” – Miles Keylock, Mail & Guardian

“…Jazz in South Africa is of a very high standard and Finding A New Way is an album that is one of those leaders…” Eric Alan, Jazz Rendezvous, Radio 2000

“…Lisa put her heart into this one as though she has witnessed how ‘the stars forgot to shine’…” Carol Martin, South African Jazz Educators (SAJE)

Audience Responses

Great to have this kind of jazz in Ctn. Beautiful voice. All quartet members were wonderful to observe. Nice interaction and sensitivity