Vanessa Rubin Trio at Birdland Theater

Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. Rubins passion for rich musical stories are evidenced throughout her eight albums thus far plus numerous guest appearances. Highlights include the evocative Voyager II from the pen of Teri Thornton, Inside a Silent Tear written by Blossom Dearie, a refashioned waltz version of John Coltranes Giant Steps lyricized by New York Voices and an arrangement of Superwoman by Stevie Wonder insipired by the Ahmad Jamal recording of Poinciana...

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Revered as both a torchbearer and a storyteller, jazz vocalist Vanessa Rubin possesses a voice hailed for crystalline clarity, hearth-like warmth and playful lioness sass. The Cleveland native brings a wealth of diverse influences to her vocal performance from both the Trinidadian/Caribbean roots of her mother and traditional jazz by way of her Louisiana-born father. Rubins passion for rich musical stories are evidenced throughout her eight albums thus far plus numerous guest appearances. Highlights include the evocative Voyager II from the pen of Teri Thornton, Inside a Silent Tear written by Blossom Dearie, a refashioned waltz version of John Coltranes Giant Steps lyricized by New York Voices and an arrangement of Superwoman by Stevie Wonder insipired by the Ahmad Jamal recording of Poinciana. So while she has one foot planted in tradition sticking close to timeless melodies and exquisite vocal forms Rubin waxes adventurous, embracing stories lesser told while employing lessons of acclaimed storytellers in song such as Carmen McRae, Shirley Horn, and Freddy Cole.

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