LA Jazz Scene Reviews Sylvia Brooks

December 19th, 2009 | By admin

Sylvia Brooks
By Veronica Dawn

Jazz is certainly no stranger to Sylvia Brooks, a fact extraordinary evident throughout the duration of her encore performance at Catalina Bar and Grill. Brooks returned to Catalina stage on July 16, 2008, where she performed songs from The Great American Songbook masterfully arranged by Tom Garvin.

Sylvia Brooks comes from a solid musical background, growing up with her father a popular jazz pianist and her mother a nightclub performer. “Sitting in the crib and hearing that music, it has to do something to you”, says Brooks. It was inevitable that melodies and harmonies would course rapidly through her veins from a very young age. Through Garvin’s innovative arrangements, this music possesses the ability to convey complex emotions while telling a unique and vivid story through the utilization of refreshing and diverse sounds performed by Brooks and her dynamic sextet. (more…)

Los Angeles Times Critic’s Choice

December 19th, 2009 | By admin

Six Time Best Bet Critic’s Pick – “The Guide” For Jazz And World Artists

“The jazz singer is a respected performer of the Catalina/Jazz Bakery circuit and national theater, and plays a six-night stand with a cracking live band featuring arranger Tom Garvin.”

Dangerous Liaisons Album Review

December 19th, 2009 | By admin

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A fine singer with a very attractive voice, Sylvia Brooks has a glamorous image that is a bit nostalgic of the 1940s and 50s. Her style falls between jazz and cabaret and she emphasizes dramatic renditions of vintage standards.

On Dangerous Liaisons, Ms. Brooks is accompanied by up to eight pieces including pianist Jeff Colella, altoist Kim Richmond, bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Kendall Kay, performing arrangements by Tom Garvin, Colella and Richmond. Although there are some brief solos, the spotlight is on the singer throughout and she comes through. (more…)

Gorgeous Magazine

December 15th, 2009 | By admin

“Here’s another extraordinary show you simply must see”.

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LA Weekly Reviews Sylvia Brooks

December 14th, 2009 | By admin

martiniSylvia Brooks, directed by Tom Garvin on piano, and backed by Chris Colangello on bass, Kendall Kay on drums, Kim Richmond on sax and flute, and Jamie Havorka on trumpet, performed not so much a concert as dramatic musical monologues of some tasteful 20th Century standards, laced with pop-Latin pieces that may never have been lent such authority before. In the hands of this singer and this group, each song is part of a series of musical vignettes on the theme of the uneven playing field of love. (more…)

Sophisticated Lady

December 14th, 2009 | By admin

Radio Interview with Sylvia Brooks

December 13th, 2009 | By admin

KCRB interviews Sylvia Brooks on the Curtain Call radio show.

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Electronic Press Kit

December 12th, 2009 | By admin

How Long Has This Been Going On

December 5th, 2009 | By admin