The Soraya presents the legendary Count Basie Orchestra performing music by Ella Fitzgerald, directed by Scotty Barnhart and starring singer Lizz Wright on Wednesday, November 17.

During a career of more than 60 years, William James “Earl” Basie rewrote jazz history with 18 Grammy Awards, performing with his orchestra for kings and queens, major music festivals, multiple appearances on television and on all major stages around the world. In addition, his heritage established jazz as a serious art form. Thirty years after his disappearance, The Count Basie Orchestra, under the direction of Scotty Barnhart, continues to advance Basie’s legacy and performs at sold-out concerts around the world.

“The 18 players share a common goal: to make the music swing like crazy. And the swing does it – with extraordinary precision. —Sydney Morning Herald

Singular American singer Ella Fitzgerald has shared Basie’s story with countless performances and multiple recordings, including their 1963 album “Ella and Basie!” ”, An album that many count among the most important ever made. The Count Basie Orchestra brings to Soraya some of their original arrangements, which will be performed by Lizz Wright, a singer acclaimed for her vocal depth and agility. Her “Close to you” homage to Ella Fitzgerald has been viewed over 100 million times on her Facebook page and YouTube channel.

What:

The Soraya presents “The legendary orchestra of Count Basie, the music of Ella Fitzgerald”

When:

Wednesday November 17 at 8 p.m.

Or:

Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya)
18111, rue Nordhoff
Northridge, CA 91330

Tickets:

https://www.thesoraya.org/calendar/details/basie-2021

More information:

818-677-3000

https://www.thesoraya.org/

About the Count Basie Orchestra

In the history of jazz music, there is only one conductor who has the distinction of having his orchestra still giving sold-out concerts all over the world, with members personally chosen by him. , for more than 30 years after his death. Pianist and conductor William James “Count” Basie was and still is an American institution that embodies the greatness and excellence of jazz. The Count Basie Orchestra, now led by Scotty Barnhart, has won at least once every respected jazz poll in the world, won 18 Grammy Awards, performed for kings, queens and other world royalty, has appeared in multiple films , TV shows, at every major jazz festival and concert hall in the world. The latest honors are the 2018 Downbeat Readers Poll Award as the world’s No.1 jazz orchestra, and a Grammy nomination for their acclaimed 2018 recording, “All About That Basie,” which features special guest Stevie Wonder , Jon Faddis, Take 6, and Kurt Elling among others. It follows their critically acclaimed 2015 release of “A Very Swingin ‘Basie Christmas!” », The very first holiday album in the orchestra’s 80-year history. Released on Concord Music, it ranked # 1 on the jazz charts and sold on Amazon! Special guests include singers Johnny Mathis, Ledisi, our very own Carmen Bradford and pianist Ellis Marsalis. A feature-length documentary on Mr. Basie and the orchestra was produced by the BBC Television Network.

Some of the greatest soloists, composers, arrangers and singers in jazz history such as Lester Young, Billie Holiday, Frank Foster, Thad Jones, Sonny Payne, Freddie Green, Snooky Young, Frank Wess and Joe Williams, have become stars international once they started working with the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. This large 18-member orchestra continues the excellent story begun by Basie of trampling and screaming the blues, as well as refining those musical peculiarities that allow for the deepest and most moving swing.

Since Basie’s death in 1984, Thad Jones, Frank Foster, Grover Mitchell, Bill Hughes, Dennis Mackrel and now Scotty Barnhart have led the Count Basie Orchestra and maintained it as one of jazz’s elite organizations. A recent recording released on Concerd Music celebrated the first 80 years of the executive orchestra produced by Scotty Barnhart and Sam Beler, it features legendary artists such as Stevie Wonder, Take 6, Joey DeFrancesco, Kurt Elling and others.

Current members include musicians hired by Basie himself: guest singer dating Carmen Bradford (joined 1983) and trombonist Clarence Banks (joined 1984). Long-time members include Doug Miller (1989, formerly w / Lionel Hampton), and members who have joined in the past 15-25 years; trombonists David Keim (formerly with Stan Kenton), Alvin Walker and Mark Williams, guitarist Will Matthews, trumpeter Endre Rice, saxophonists Doug Lawrence (formerly with Benny Goodman, Buck Clayton) and back on lead viola, David Glasser. New members include bassist Trevor Ware, trumpeters Brandon Lee and returning member Shawn Edmonds, our new lead trumpeter Frank Greene III, pianist Glen Pearson and younger members; Robert Boone, 27, on drums, Joshua Lee, 24, on baritone saxophone and Markus Howell, 24, on viola.

About Lizz Wright

Acclaimed singer Lizz wright is a steward of American music who brings brilliant color and vibrancy to singular original works and compositions by some of the greatest songwriters of our time. Wright gained attention as one of the most venerable popular singers of her generation with the release of five critically acclaimed albums. From his successful debut album Verve, “Salt” in 2003, to his most recent release, “Grace” (Concord Records), Wright lives a life filled with great possibilities centered on the power of song. Through an unmistakable voice that “The New York Times” describes as “a smooth, dark viola possessing qualities you might associate with cask-aged bourbon or butter-soft leather,” Wright sings with a flamboyant reflection of the cultural fabric of America. . It sits under the script of human history transcending social divisions with an offering of love and a deep sense of humanity. His music accepts the beauty of reality and a collective experience of belonging. For the listener, Wright’s songs embody a tradition that makes us always feel at home, wherever we are physically or emotionally.

About Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya)

The 2021-22 season marks the 10th anniversary of the renowned Younes and Soraya Nazarian Performing Arts Center (La Soraya) located on the vibrant and diverse campus of California State University, in the heart of the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.

Under the direction of Executive and Artistic Director Thor Steingraber, The Soraya continues its vigorous commitment to innovate, excel and amplify access by offering a wide variety of performances that reflect LA’s many distinctive communities and showcasing new and original works from the Los Angeles area as well as artists from around the world. In 2020, Soraya’s online programs gained worldwide attention and from media outlets such as “The New York Times.”

In addition to its LEED Gold certified site, a rarity among performing arts centers, the 1,700-seat Soraya has been recognized nationally for its environmentally friendly practices and programs.

After enduring a year without live performances, the 2021-22 season will offer a joy-filled reunion with a dynamic schedule of nearly 50 classical and popular music, dance, theater, family and international events that will make The Soraya the one of Southern California’s top performing arts companies that uplift and inspire audiences.