Dima


Born in San Francisco, vocalist Dima was influenced at an early age by the innovative jazz scene. She began her career in the SF Bay Area where she studied with Merrill Hoover, a prominent Jazz pianist best known for his eloquent accompaniment of vocalists. Upon resuming her singing career after raising her daughter Aria, she had the great opportunity of working and studying with pianist Marty Williams.

Dima sings from the heart with a voice and style reminiscent of the early 50's. Known for her command of the lyric, beautiful soothing tone, and well chosen repertoire, she always sets the stage for an incredible evening of Jazz.

Dima has recorded with pianist Leonard Thompson, and most recently a live recording at Anna’s Jazz Island with pianist and arranger extraordinaire, Mike Greensill, and his trio, featuring bassist Ron Belcher and percussionist Darrell Green.

She has shared the stage with many notable musicians such as: Al Plank, Joseph "Flip" Nuñez, Vince Lateano, Spencer Allen, Herb Gibson, Nicolas Bearde, Matt Clark, Eddie Marshall, Alan Steger, and Calvin Keyes. Under the direction of Joey Blake, she also sang in the "Circle Song" Acapella Ensemble, created by Bobby McFerrin.

For the past year Dima was the vocalist in “The Chet Baker Project” a Quartet featuring Al Molina on Trumpet, bassist Frank Passantino, Larry Chinn on piano, and Paul Distel on drums. Currently, Dima is working on various projects including recording a new CD, as well as performing throughout the Bay Area.

With her unique interpretation of the song and intimate style, she keeps alive the true art of the Jazz singer.

http://www.myspace.com/djazzvocals


Pianist Glen Pearson has brought sensitivity and expression to the widest variety of music imaginable. His performances on stage, television, radio, and in recording studios have included his well known position as principle keyboardist for Regina Belle, as well as pianist and orchestrator with such notables as Jimmy Scott, Ernestine Anderson, Dianne Reeves, Marlena Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, Delfeayo Marsalis, James Moody, Frank Morgan, Chico Freeman and Will Downing. Mr. Pearson also served for eleven years as the Musical/Band Director for the world renowed Boy’s Choir of Harlem.

A native of Oakland, California, Glen is the current head of music studies at the College of Alameda. He began studying piano at age six and was playing professionally by age fifteen. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from San Francisco State University as well as a Master of Arts degree from New York University. Additionally, he has been the recipient of several honors including the prestigious Eubie Blake Memorial Scholarship Award.

Glen’s recording credits are numerous, most notably an award winning jazz album by percussionist Babatundae Lea. He has also appeared both on record and in videos with Will Downing and Gerald Albright.

He has worked both on and off Broadway with Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Arthur Miller, Patrick Stewart and George Wolfe.


Bassist Ron Belcher travels the world from France to Japan and throughout the United States, bringing his rhythmically buoyant, emotionally uplifting style to the stage for a wide diversity of jazz artists.

Performing or recording with such international stars as Branford Marsalis, Regina Carter, Rodney Franklin, John Handy, and Pete Escovedo, as well as a literal “who’s who” of the San Francisco jazz scene, Ron has garnered a reputation as one of Northern California’s foremost jazz bassists.

Ron appeared here previously with Charles McNeal.


Drummer Lorca Hart grew up in Taos, New Mexico. Coming from a musical family, he was exposed to a variety of music and instruments as a child. He became serious about drums and jazz in high school.

He attended California Institute of the Arts from 1992 - 96, graduating with a BFA in Jazz Percussion Performance. While there he was able to study under Albert "Tootie" Heath, Joe La Barbera, Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith, and many others.

Since graduating he has kept busy working with many of Southern California's finest musicians including Calvin Keys, Herman Riley, Red Holloway, Plas Johnson, John Heard, Danny Grissett, Justo Almario, Bennie Maupin, Phil Ranelin, Dave Pike, Ralph Moore, Don Menza, Hugh Masekela, Bobby Rodriguez, the Clayton Brothers, Anthony Wilson, Julian Lage, Doug Webb, and the group that he co-leads with bassist Ryan Cross, the Cross Hart Jazz Experience.

Lorca can be heard on recordings by John Heard, Justo Almario, Hugh Masekela, Dave Pike, Ronald Muldrow, and the Cross Hart Jazz Experience.

He was heard here previously with the Dave Scott Quartet and with his own trio featuring Harvey Wainapel.

http://www.myspace.com/lorcahart


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