Janis Siegel album release "The Art Of Vocalese" with John diMartino & Darek Oles
Sam First6171 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles 90045-5300
Janis Siegel brings her album-release program for The Art Of Vocalese to Sam First with pianist John diMartino and acoustic bassist Darek Oles. The vocal-and-instrumental trio centers the new record’s exploration of vocalese, the practice of setting words to jazz melodies and improvised solos. It is Siegel’s 16th solo release and her first major project following The Manhattan Transfer’s farewell, honoring the vocalese tradition, her mentor Jon Hendricks, and, according to the label, The Manhattan Transfer itself.
A GRAMMY-winning vocalist and arranger, Siegel is an original member of The Manhattan Transfer and has worked with Jon Hendricks. DiMartino is a New York-based pianist and arranger; Oles’s collaborators include Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny, Charles Lloyd, Lee Konitz, and Siegel. Reviewers have called Siegel’s return to vocalese “elegant” and “a moving bridge between The Manhattan Transfer’s legacy and the present.” The Arts Fuse writes that Siegel and her collaborators “handle the vocals with aplomb,” with “top-notch” instrumentalists, while Jazz Weekly found the harmonies on “Bye Bye Blackbird” “simply stunning.”
Sam First offers a rare jazz experience where the absence of an elevated stage brings you close enough to feel the music’s pulse and the musicians’ subtle exchanges. The room’s acoustics are finely tuned, enhanced by a prized Yamaha C7x grand piano, making every note clear from any seat. The venue’s design encourages attentive listening, with seating arranged to foster connection between audience and performers. A well-stocked cocktail bar serves serious drinks alongside local beers and fine wines, complementing the music without overwhelming it. Shows run five nights a week, mostly ticketed and often live streamed, inviting both local jazz lovers and remote fans. The vibe is focused yet relaxed, perfect for an evening where the music takes center attention and conversation yields to the sound. This is a place where jazz is both tradition and innovation, inviting you to witness it up close.