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The lovely and enchanting Laura Zakian returned to Jazznights for another great evening of 
some superb jazz standards, this evening she called it “Project for Frank” featuring the songs of Frank Sinatra – an introduction for a new forthcoming album.
Laura Zakian is a true jazz vocalist. She employs her voice as a musical instrument, improvising and moulding the melodic line to lend each lyric the best possible effect.
After completing her degree at Middlesex University and studying in New York with Nancy Marano from the Manhattan School of Music, Laura launched her career in Italy, performing with leading jazz musicians in Rome and appearing at the Umbria Jazz Festival.
She started her recording career in 2000 with the release of ‘Nobody Else But Me’. JAZZ REVIEW said, “Miss Zakian debuts with a clear conception of how to phrase a lyric with subtle swing and rhythmic elasticity” and The 
Observer newspaper made the album CD of the Week.
In 2004 she released ‘Just One of Those Things’ which received airplay on Michael Parkinson’s Radio Two show and caused JAZZ WISE to comment “Zakian swings effortlessly, combines a lightness of touch with a deep reservoir of power and control.”
From re-working neglected standards to jazz interpretations of contemporary tunes, her highly accessible set boasts an eclectic and ingenious repertoire. The consummate live performer <link to gigs page>, JAZZ JOURNAL commented “she sings mainly quality standards but varies her programme with obscure, but attractive songs from the 1920’s and 30’s or contemporary songs, but it always comes out sounding like good, modern jazz”.
‘About Love’ is her third album released on 33 Jazz Records. Probably her finest and most assured work to date. This time Laura is joined by her husband Paul Bartholomew, acclaimed baritone saxophonist and arranger (Mbawula, Jools Holland Big Band, Sting, Kylie etc).
Her new project is Songs for Modern Lovers, an eclectic mix of songs she’s loved through her life.
J
AZZ REVIEW said, “Miss Zakian debuts with a clear conception of how to phrase a lyric with 
subtle swing and rhythmic elasticity”
JAZZ WISE to comment “Zakian swings effortlessly, combines a lightness of touch with a deep reservoir of power and control.”
JAZZ JOURNAL commented “she sings mainly quality standards but varies her programme with obscure, but attractive songs from the 1920’s and 30’s or contemporary songs, but it always comes out sounding like good, modern jazz”. A true jazz vocalist, she employs her voice as a musical instrument, improvising and moulding the melodic line to lend each lyric the best possible effect.
Laura played with the with Roger Odell Jazznights Trio who were:
Roger Odell – Drums
Roger was one of the founder members and drummer with the jazz-funk group Shakatak and the forerunner band Tracks. Roger has toured internationally and recorded numerous CDs, which he continues to do on a regular basis to this day.
Simon Brown – Piano
Leading UK Jazz innovator and musical entrepreneur Simon Brown is a highly respected and popular jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. His bands include the quintet Beyond Cantaloupe featuring the music of Herbie Hancock, as well a the very popular Simon Brown Trio and Quartet. He is also a stalwart of the Jazznights Trio with Roger Odell and Bernie Hodgkins.
Bernie Hodgkins – Double Bass
Bernie grew up in a Jazz-oriented family and has toured in Europe and further afield with a wide variety of artists and honed his skills and adding to his prodigious repertoire. Spending much of his time in the recording studios, he is equally at home and in demand as an enthusiastic “live” rhythm section player.
Larraine Odell – Vocals
Larraine began her professional singing career with the group CMU with whom she recorded two albums, Larraine performed at numerous venues throughout the UK and Europe, including the Purcell Room, Royal Festival Hall. Boxford Fleece & Ronnie Scott’s
Master of Ceremonies for the evening was the erudite Gareth Williams-James
Larraine Odell opened the first set with some great songs including:
The Masquerade Is Over
The Look Of Love
Nothing Will Be As It Was
If You Could See Me Now
Devil May Care
Laura Zakian the joined the band to sing some great Sinatra standards including:
You Make Me Feel So Young
I Love You
It Could Happen To You
I’ll Be Around
Following the Jazznights raffle of 3 jazz cd’s we had the traditional Jazznights sitting in spot which is open to all musicians who have an opportunity to play with the band. Tonight we had Reg Webb, an English musician and singer-songwriter. He achieved success not only with his own band Fusion (which later became The Reg Webb Band and featured Nick Kershaw). who played Benny Golson’s Whisper Not and singing and playing the piano Frankie Lane’s
Geoff Harriman then joined Reg with Fly Me To The Moon.
Jean-Paul Vovor then joined Reg and the band to play on his guitar There Could Never Be Another You.
Laura Zakian then came back to sing and play with Jazznights trio:
The Tender Trap
In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
Anything Goes
Blame It On My Youth
Too Marvellous For Words
I Thought About You
The End Of A Love Affair
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Laura’s Individual Interpretations and improvisations were superb and really appreciated by the full house.
Sun 27 Mar – NICOLAS MEIER (guitar) will be at Jazz Nights on Sunday 27th March 2016
In just a few short years UK-based Swiss guitarist Nicolas Meier has carved a reputation as one of the UK’s most original guitarists drawing on a love of Turkish, Eastern music, Flamenco, Tango all mixed with jazz. Nicolas is currently a member of the Jeff Beck Group with whom he tours internationally.
THE BEST IN BRITISH MODERN JAZZ is at Jazznights, The Bell Hotel. Clare, Suffolk.
Admission £10. Doors open 7.00 pm. Music 7.30 – 10.00 pm.
Reserve seating on 01787 237653 or email info@jazz-nights.com
Pay on the night.
You can join us at facebook, read reviews of previous performances on more opinions blog or tweet at twitter.com/jazznightsuk
Pictures from past gigs can also be seen HERE
For further information on future gigs go to www.jazz-nights.com
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