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Terrie Odabi

Terrie Odabi is easily the most dynamic blues and soul woman to have emerged in the Bay Area since Etta James came out of San Francisco’s Fillmore District in the Fifties. Terrie has a powerful set of pipes, writes terrific tunes, leads a kicking band, and has onstage movements that perfectly match the rhythms of her material. Surely stardom awaits her." –Lee Hildebrand, contributor to the *San Francisco Chronicle*, *East Bay Express*, and Living Blues Magazine

2014 Winner of Bay Area Regional Finals International Blues Challenge 2014 Semi Finalist of the Memphis International Blues Challenge 2015 Winner of Bay Area Regional Finals International Blues Challenge 2015 Semi Finalist of the Memphis International Blues Challenge 2015 Winner of the Black Music Award for Best Female Blues Artist 2014 Headline for the Zacatecas Jazz Festival in Zacatecas Mexico

Few vocalists own the stage like Terrie Odabi. When the statuesque Oakland native begins to sing, a hush falls over the audience. They’re about to take a ride through the highs and lows of soul music, led by a beautiful singer who packs her shows with heart-pumping energy and poignant memories. Whether it’s opening for Average White Band or Lenny Williams, or performing at the Concord Pavilion or the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Terrie’s finely honed instrument is matched by her generous spirit and wit. “Has anyone here lost their mojo? Raise your hand if you’re suffering from a mojo deficiency,” she asks the crowd at the Monterey Blues Festival. From that point on, she has them in the palm of her hand as she proceeds to testify. “Terrie’s got soul and charm. Her voice soars and draws you in and makes you feel good. She is full of surprises!” enthuses trombonist Steve Turre, member of the Saturday Night Live Band and professor at the Julliard School of Music. Turre, who has performed and co-written with Terrie, dubs her “a jewel from the Bay Area.” Terrie performs original stirring blues straight from the soul. Her compelling arrangements create a contemporary sound that support Terrie's witty lyrics and compelling voice. She takes pride in her urban roots, appealing to a wide, new audience.

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Album Review

Bill Ortiz: Points of View

Read "Points of View" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello


Long associated with Carlos Santana, with whom he had a 16-year stint, trumpeter Bill Ortiz steps into the spotlight here with an auspicious and highly entertaining session. Ten selections showcase Ortiz who is supported by some of the Bay area's best. The order of the day is energy, excitement, and an overall superb show. “Sunburst," an Eddie Henderson tune, launches things with a pulsing piano, driving bass, textured rhythms and Ortiz wailing, first using a Harmon mute ...

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Album Review

Terrie Odabi: My Blue Soul

Read "My Blue Soul" reviewed by James Nadal


Blues singers have always been scarce, maybe that's why they are so special. It requires real-life experience, intense commitment and a profound sense of emotion to interpret this music, which represents so much for so many. After paying dues in her hometown of Oakland, blues singer Terrie Odabi finally steps into the national spotlight and tells her story on My Blue Soul. Backed by some of the Bay Area's finest players, and with Kid Anderson handling production duties, this record ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Points of View

Left Angle Productions
2023

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My Blue Soul

Self Produced
2016

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