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Susan Getz

A unique singer on the rise, with a captivating new CD

It's not often that a delightful new singer appears on our radar with a distinctive voice and assured grace already in place, but San Francisco vocalist Susan Getz is doing just that. From the first note she sings, it's clear that Susan has been listening to the greats, but there's no doubt that her sound is her own.

Now, with an ever-growing resume of appearances in major Bay Area music venues like the Plush Room, Shanghai 1930 and Cafe du Nord, and with her beautiful new CD, Jazz Boxx, in hand, Susan Getz stands ready to bring her wonderful, singular sound to a wider musical audience.

No less a jazz expert than famed producer Teo Macero said upon listening to Jazz Boxx, "It's nice to hear a new voice. Susan Getz is on the right path, with a charming sound and a different style. The concept, to be sure, is hers alone."

Susan sings with economy and a ready warmth, underscored by an ever-present yet controlled emotion. She stays close to the melody, generally eliminating flourishes and vocal adornments.

Asked to describe her own style, Susan answers with a smile, "I try to sing like Ernest Hemingway writes. He doesn't put in a lot of extra words, but he's very descriptive. I think it was Miles Davis who said, 'Don't worry about playing a lot of notes. Just find one pretty one.' That's what I shoot for in my music."

It's no surprise that the vocalists she says have influenced her most-Chet Baker, Peggy Lee, Astrud Gilberto, Carmen McRae and Carlos Jobim-are all paragons of understatement and smoldering emotion. While all of these performers have made their mark on Susan, it's the Gilberto and Lee influences that seep out of her singing most clearly.

This doesn't mean Susan is afraid to take chances. She often approaches songs from unique directions, bringing fresh perspectives to timing and harmonies that allow her to illuminate surprising corners of long familiar favorites. She has a deft lyrical touch that lends her lovely originals a heartfelt but quiet empathy.

Susan also gives her sidemen plenty of room for creativity, encouraging counter-rhythms and inventive harmonies that add a creative depth and tension to Susan's performances. The proof is in the heartfelt efforts turned in on Jazz Boxx by pianist Leonard Thompson, bassist David Ewell, drummer Jemal Ramirez and trumpeter Joel Ryan, an ensemble of some of the Bay Area's finest instrumentalists.

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204
Album Review

Susan Getz: Jazz Boxx

Read "Jazz Boxx" reviewed by Jeff Hedberg


Susan Getz keeps the spirit of West Coast Cool alive on her debut recording, Jazz Boxx. She exhibits her jazz/pop sensibility with Robert Palmer's “Honeymoon" as well as Lennon/McCartney's “Long and Winding Road" and “Come Together." All three selections showcase Getz's warmth and tenderness.

Another facet of Getz's artistry is her distinctive interpretation of Great American Songbook standards. She offers her interpretation of “That's All," “Cry Me a River," “My Buddy" and “I Fall in Love Too Easily." Of these ...

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93

Event

Rising Bay Area Vocalist Susan Getz Returns to Plush Room

Rising Bay Area Vocalist Susan Getz Returns to Plush Room

Source: All About Jazz

Rising Bay Area Vocalist Susan Getz Returns to Plush Room

Weekend Engagement at Beloved Venue Rare Honor for Local Artist

The world is discovering distinctive, captivating singer Susan Getz. And there's no better time to find out what Getz's growing legion of admirers already know than at her upcoming return engagement at the famed Plush Room in San Francisco's York Hotel, 940 Sutter Street, Thursday through Saturday, March 30 through April 1, with shows at 8:00 and 10:00 pm. Tickets ...

101

Recording

Susan Getz Releases 'Jazz Boxx', Her Much Anticipated First Full-Length CD

Susan Getz Releases 'Jazz Boxx', Her Much Anticipated First Full-Length CD

Source: All About Jazz

Susan Getz, who arrived on the West Coast jazz scene last year with a sold-out debut at the Empire Plushroom, has gathered an ensemble of some of the Bay Area's finest instrumentalists including pianist Leonard Thompson, bassist David Ewell, drummer Jemal Ramirez and trumpeter Joel Ryan, for her first CD, Jazz Boxx.

No less a jazz expert than famed producer Teo Macero said upon listening to Jazz Boxx, “It's nice to hear a new voice. Susan Getz is on the ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

The Green Eyed Girl

Litsis Records
2007

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Jazz Boxx

Litsis Records
2004

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Say Goodbye To Love

From: Jazz Boxx
By Susan Getz

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