Born: August 3, 1979 Primary Instrument: Vocal
Multilingual Singer/Composer/Producer Sacha Boutros will turn you on in any language with her smooth sultry vocals. A fresh new voice in Jazz & Latin Jazz her new album “Simply Sacha” features Chuchito Valdes, Geoffrey Keezer & Red Holloway w/Liner Notes by Karrin Allyson.
A Little bit about Sacha...
A local native of San Diego, Sacha Boutros has been captivating audiences with her sultry vocals and exquisite style as she posses a charm and grace reminiscent of the golden age of Hollywood. Having played the piano since she was a little girl, she began composing at an early age. As a child she was introduced to musical harmonies and playful lyrical songwriting by her grandfather; “He taught me to sing the harmonies in church and I later sang in the choir and show choir growing up. My grandmother was the one who introduced me to the piano, she started me with piano lessons when I was 4, I had to sit on a pillow to reach the keys.” With a four-octave range she is well versed in classical music and can sing in just about any language as she speaks five fluently. “I learned how to sing Bel Canto. I decided when I was going to learn how to sing properly I should start from the beginning, with opera! I studied Bel Canto for several years and sang many Broadway scores as I perform musical theatre as well.”
“I really started singing in my last year of college. I was an athlete and played soccer and tennis which was what put me through school on scholarship, I had a scholarship not only athletics but academics as well.” In 2002, shortly after graduating with a BBA from the University of San Diego, she was introduced by the legendary Frankie Laine at his 90th birthday celebration as his Ingenue where she played with his orchestra along side greats such as Herb Jeffries and Mundell Lowe. “Every time I saw Frankie he used to say to me, 'Kid if I were young I would take you on the road, you got what it takes to make it!' I always thought that was so fabulous to hear, you know he was in his 90's, one thing I did get to do was get to know him, he was a living legend and so much fun to be around. He was a great bowler, he beat me, couldn't win against the rawhide king.”
Of Mexican and Lebanese heritage Sacha Boutros has been recording, writing and performing Jazz both nationally and internationally. Last Year Sacha was selected as one of the 12 finalists from around the world to represent the United States in the Young Jazz Singers Competition in Bruxelles, Belgium. Sacha has had the pleasure of performing with and opening along side such artists as Julio Iglesias, Marvin Hamlisch, Chubby Checker, James Moody, Red Holloway, Karrin Allyson, Frankie Laine, Geoffrey Keezer, Chuchito Valdes, Kay Star, Patty Paige, and Herb Jeffries, just to name a few.
Her New Album released on May 28, 2008 is proving to be “Simply Marvelous.” Robb 'Jazzbro' Peterson, KTUH FM 90.3 in Honolulu. Half of the album is original and the compositions are a mix of Jazz, Latin Jazz, Bossa Nova and Pop “I am trying to create a sort of Pop-Jazz so that everyone will enjoy my music, and hopefully get more into and appreciate the art of acoustic music itself and the beauty and power of something as simple as a song.”
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Los Angeles Music Awards for best latin vocal on a song I wrote amor imposible and best jazz vocal. Also represented the us as a finalist for a world vocal jazz competition in brussels belgium 2007.When first putting on an album of a new singer-- or any singer for that matter, I must admit-- I hold my breath for a minute really hoping that this singer can SING! (this goes for my own recordings too, even to this day!) It's a huge relief when that recording lets you (the listener) sit back and enjoy the voice and not be on the edge of your seat with worries about intonation (singing on/off key) and even better-- feeling heart and soul come through right away. BRAVA Sacha! For letting me hear and feel this real enjoyment in your recording--your debut! Which is hard to believe because although it is your first, it sounds very mature and assured. And I love that you've included some of your own original material and lyrics- --lovely, also using what you know and who you are; singing very convincingly in spanish, italian, portugese, french... I love the international quality. The band is first-rate-- very solid, soulful and swinging, no surprise there, with this wonderful line up of players. I really love this abum because first of all, she can SING and it is Sacha coming through--- as her own unique self and voice with heart and soul shining through.
Karrin Allyson Concord Recording Artist www.karrin.com
What they're saying about Sacha...
”Sacha Boutros is a jazz singer. This is to be differentiated from those who merely sing jazz. While the gorgeous pipes are a nice accoutrement, it's her exquisite phrasing, her ability to caress a lyric, her absolute control over her voice that collectively make her into a jazz musician. Her ability to move seamlessly from jazz into bossa nova, Latin and popular vehicles on her new album only confirms that here is a talent to cherish.” - Jim Trageser, music critic, North County Times / publisher, editor, Turbula.net
“Thumbs Up” - Roger Ebert
Sacha is vocalist like no other besides being a singer she is first and foremost a musician. With practically perfect pitch her musical Sophistication and elegance are timeless. - Frankie Laine
”A Vocalist of Promise...” - San Diego Union Tribune
”Sacha's voice is both sexy, provocative, soulful and smooth.” - Red Holloway
A versatile, original and innovative singer who demonstrates that Jazz is in her soul. - Bitacora Cultural (Mexican Magazine, Baja California)
”Local Jazz Whiz San Diego native jazz singer Sacha Boutros seems to be anything but an ingénue. She speaks five languages, has the range of an operatic singer and is compared to many jazz greats of yester year, yet she is only 27 years old.” - San Diego City Beat
”Her music is best described as Latin lounge jazz. Very hip, very cool and yet sensuous like sipping sangria at sunset.” - Mary Castillo, Author
”Boutros, at her young age, has called the attention of jazz lovers everywhere with her original compositions and exemplary vocal range which stems from her classical roots; she has the ability to sing from Blues to Opera.” - El Vigia.net
"Sacha, Live in Hawaii" (Diva Latina Productions, 20011)
Simply Sacha (Diva Latina Productions, 2008) 2008 - Red Holloway SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW: INTRODUCING SACHA BOUTROS
2008 - David Veith Compilation CD (name tba)
2007 - Luna Llena TRADITIONAL CUBAN MUSIC
2003 - Recording for Thelonious Monk Competition "Sacha"
2001 - Julio de la Huerta Irresistible
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Primary Instrument:
Vocal
Location:
san diego, CA
