Sweet Baby J'ai: "Evolution of A Diva"

DATES:

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine, and “an invaluable New York institution” by The New York Post, continues its 10th Anniversary season with the debut of critically acclaimed recording artist, singer and songwriter SWEET BABY J’AI for two performances only. Performing with an all-female quartet - members of the Big Band group Diva, drummer, Sherrie Maricle, pianist Jill McCarron, bassist, Nicki Parrott and saxophonist, Carol Chaikin, multi-talented vocalist and songwriter, Sweet Baby J'ai will pay tribute to divas and their contributions to the American Songbook with her contemporary arrangements of blues and jazz. She'll include some originals, a little washboard, some spoons and a whole lot of her soul! The show is at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

Whether singing a soulful ballad, a haunting original or a swinging standard, Sweet Baby J’ai weaves her special magic through songs seemingly tailor-made for her intimate style. She has been heard on radio and television both nationally and internationally. She has performed extensively in the U.S., Europe and Asia and has been featured at numerous concert halls, festivals, clubs and benefits, from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Ford Amphitheater to Tokyo Concert Hall, Casablanca's Super Dome and more. She has won awards and been recognized as "Best Entertainer", "Pick of the Week" and "Pick of the Month", many times. She has shared the stage with such luminaries as, Melissa Etheridge, Herbie Hancock, Etta James, Jill Scott, Joe Sample, Tom Waits, Koko Taylor, Patrice Rushen, Sheila E., Tramaine Hawkins, Stanley Turrentine and the late Nel Carter, Teddy Edwards and Eddie Harris, to name a few. She is provocative and impassioned, combining her infectious personality and original style with the influences of Diana Washington, Carmen McRae and Joe Williams. The Jazz Times described J’ai as…”A powerful performer blessed with Lena Horne's biting enunciation, J'ai sometimes sounds as pure and creamy as Ann Hampton Calloway, other times embraces the earthy integrity of Nina Simone". This highly acclaimed vocalist is promising a night of pure enjoyment!

• Sweet Baby J'ai