Carl Woideck Jazz Heritage Project: "anita O'day & Cool Jazz" at John G Shedd Institute for the Arts

In the 1950s, a new school of jazz singing emerged, founded on the stylings of Anita O'Day. Instead of sounding brassy and aggressive, she favored a softer vocal production and projected a laid-back attitude. That sound was perfect for the Cool Jazz style that was developing among horn players like trumpeter Chet Baker (who also sang). Soon, singers June Christy and Chris Connor followed O'Day's lead in forming a Cool vocal tradition. Although Christy and Connor came to fame singing with the brassy and loud Stan Kenton big band, they never yelled, preferring a soft, open, and airy sound. Joining saxophonist Carl Woideck to play it cool will be singer Sonja Rasmussen. Among the songs to be featured will be "My Funny Valentine" (à la Chet Baker), "Tea for Two" (Anita O'Day) and "I'll Take Romance" (Chris Connor)....

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In the 1950s, a new school of jazz singing emerged, founded on the stylings of Anita O'Day. Instead of sounding brassy and aggressive, she favored a softer vocal production and projected a laid-back attitude. That sound was perfect for the Cool Jazz style that was developing among horn players like trumpeter Chet Baker (who also sang). Soon, singers June Christy and Chris Connor followed O'Day's lead in forming a Cool vocal tradition. Although Christy and Connor came to fame singing with the brassy and loud Stan Kenton big band, they never yelled, preferring a soft, open, and airy sound. Joining saxophonist Carl Woideck to play it cool will be singer Sonja Rasmussen. Among the songs to be featured will be "My Funny Valentine" (à la Chet Baker), "Tea for Two" (Anita O'Day) and "I'll Take Romance" (Chris Connor).

Shedd Presents Series Ticketing: Purchase at The Shedd Institute Ticket Office (541-434-7000, 868 High Street). Discounts available for youths high school and younger (50%); college student with current student ID (10%); group discounts for purchases of 8 or more tickets to a single show (10%), discount for purchases of 20 or more (15%). Shedd Institute package discounts (10% to 20%) are available through The Shedd Ticket Office (541-434-7000 or 868 High Street) or on the web. Discounts cannot be combined.

Don’t miss our great set-menu, casual pre-performance dinners for $19.75 ($14.75, kids 9 and younger) in The Shedd’s Great Hall 1 1/2 hours before most evening performances at The Shedd (usually 6 pm). Prepared by The Shedd's resident chef, Shelby Hoopes-Tice, each meal includes entrée (vegetarian option), salad, side dish, dessert, coffee and tea. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase. Reservations with The Shedd Ticket Office at least 1 day in advance are required.

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