Thursday, September 22, 2005

Local musicians promise jazz concert for the ages

CHUCK GRAHAM

Tucson Citizen

Which has been more important to the history of jazz, the female vocalist or the guy playing a tenor sax?

Every jazz fan will have strong feelings about the answer. This Sunday evening, the Tucson Jazz Society will fan the flames of the debate with its Night of Jazz Vocals, which features Tucson song stylists Liz Fletcher, Debbie Luna and Julie Anne. The concert will double as a history lesson of sorts, presenting several decades of vocal jazz stylings.

The show is similar in intent to last weekend's concert showcasing local musicians playing in the bebop and "cool school" styles of Dizzy Gillespie and Chet Baker, Charlie Parker and Stan Getz.

"There will be three separate sets," Luna explained. "The first will be Julie Anne singing standards. Then there is my set, which will include some torch songs and straight-ahead swing. Then Liz will complete the evolution of jazz singers by bringing the sound up to today.

"On the last tune, we will all sing together. We've really been practicing," Luna added.

Luna moved to Tucson 3 1/2 years ago to major in music at the University of Arizona. Before that, she worked for the National Parks Service. To take a break from classwork, she began singing with local jazz and blues groups. Now on the verge of completing her degree, Luna has already recorded her first album, appropriately titled "Second Time Around." Her favorite singers are Peggy Lee and Julie London.

Julie Anne also is a UA grad, majoring in music education. She has been singing professionally since age 15. Her current steady gig is as a vocalist with Frank Guldseth's big band, Tucson Swings.

Fletcher, who also plays bass, has backed up such headliners as Maria Muldaur and Eric Burton. She also has appeared on the bills of several regional jazz and blues festivals. As a member of the group Renacimiento, she recorded an album on the CBS label that sold well. Fletcher says her musical influences include "everyone from Bo Diddley to Beethoven."

IF YOU GO

What: Tucson Jazz Society presents A Night of Jazz Vocals

When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Where: St. Philip's Plaza, East River Road and North Campbell Avenue

How much: $15 general admission,$10 TJS members and students

Details: 903-1265, visit www.tucsonjazz.org