The Jazz Women of NY Band grew out of the shared desire of these seasoned musicians to prove that women in jazz are a force to be reckoned with. Their credentials read like a who’s who of the classic swing and bop eras of jazz. They play standards, originals, and multicultural jazz fusion. This is one of the finest swinging jazz groups in the business.
Jazz Women NY Band features vocalist Lee Torchia and pianist Jill McManus, joined by bassist Melissa Slocum, and saxophonist Carol Sudhalter. Each of these women has been a leader over the years.
Lee Torchia’s CD, Loverman: A Tribute to Billie Holiday, features Ram Ramirez, Milt Hinton, Mel Lewis, and Ricky Ford. She has performed with many jazz greats including Walter Bishop, Jr., Slide Hampton. Her current cable TV show "Lee Torchia Sings" airs weekly in NY on TWC, RCN, FIOS and features her 20-year work as a North Indian Classical Vocalist, playing the ancient instrument, the tambura with a tabla player (drummer).
Pianist McManus has performed with Tom Harrell, Joe Lovano, Pepper Adams, Frank Wess, Richard Davis and others. HER album Symbols of Hopi is adaptations chants of the Hopi Indian with her unique jazz style.
Carol Sudhalter, best known for her lusty and yet poetic baritone sound, also plays robust tenor sax and lively flute. With many albums to her credit, Carol was a Top 10 flutist in the 2012 Down Beat Readers’ Poll.
Melissa Slocum, the long-time bassist for the hit Broadway show Phantom of the Opera, has played with an impressive list that includes Art Blakey, Clark Terry, Woody Shaw and Hank Jones, among others.
This is a Diva band that plays with fire, warmth and sophistication. Come prepared to enjoy!
Booking this Diva Jazz Band for the month of March, the Women in Jazz Month. Clubs, Festivals, TV Shows, and Colleges.