Sheila Jordan and Cameron Brown Present A Jazz Evening with Voice and Bass

The New York Society Library will present award-winning vocalist Sheila Jordan and bassist Cameron Brown in an intimate evening of their jazz favorites. The event takes place Wednesday, September 28, at 6:30 pm at the New York Society Library, 53 East 79th Street (just east of Madison Avenue; 6 train to 77th Street).

The cost is $20 per person with advance registration, or $25 at the door. Reservations can be made at http://nysljordanbrown.eventbrite.com/ or by contacting the Events Office at events@nysoclib.org or 212-288-6900 x230.

This event is generously supported by the Estate of Marian O. Naumburg.

Sheila Jordan is one of the premier living jazz vocalists. She has received American jazz's highest honor, the Jazz Masters Award from the NEA, as well as the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Award. She began in a trio singing versions of solos by Charlie Parker, her first great influence. She married Parker's pianist, Duke Jordan, and studied with Lennie Tristano. Among her early recordings in the 60s was "The Outer View" with George Russell, which featured a famous 10-minute version of "You Are My Sunshine." After working extensively in jazz church liturgy and in clubs in the 60s, her popularity and recordings spread in the 70s and 80s, including collaborations with pianist Steve Kuhn and bassist Harvie S. Her preference for the bass and voice set has led to another remarkable collaboration with bassist Cameron Brown, with whom she has been performing all over the world for more than ten years. They have released the live albums I've Grown Accustomed to the Bass and Celebration. The New York Times says, "her ballad performances are simply beyond the emotional and expressive capabilities of most other vocalists."

Detroit native Cameron Brown has worked with such leading lights as George Russell, Don Cherry, Archie Shepp, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Chet Baker, Betty Carter, Dannie Richmond, Dewey Redman, and Joe Lovano. He was a founder of the famous Don Pullen/George Adams Quartet, performs with his own group The Hear and Now, and has worked with Ms. Jordan for 15 years. He has appeared on more than 125 recordings.

The New York Society Library was founded in 1754 and is the city's oldest library. In the eighteenth century, an organization labeled "Society" meant that it was open to all-available to everyone throughout society. The Library today is open to all for reading, reference, and selected events, with circulation and other services by subscription.

The beautiful landmarked building dates from 1917 and includes reading rooms, spaces for study, stacks, and the Assunta, Ignazio, Ada and Romano Peluso Exhibition Gallery. The Library has approximately 275,000 volumes and hosts a variety of special events, reading groups, and workshops, as well as the New York City Book Awards.
Information on the Library and its history can be found at www.nysoclib.org.