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Zola.
She has performed as lead female singer and commissioned songwriter with general business bands and as a solo artist overseas and locally, making her singer~songwriter USA debut in 1997 at Boston’s Scullers Jazz Club. In 2006 Zola won critical acclaim and rave reviews for her performance at Scullers that celebrated the launch of her latest CD “here with you” recorded with some of Boston’s finest jazz musicians. Zola, apparently began singing long before she could talk. She started composing songs at the piano at a very young age and by the time she was a teenager, she had already had a number of her songs published. Being the daughter of a world renowned Yiddish and Broadway actress, singer and comedienne, Chayela Rosenthal, Zola’s introduction to the arts came about at a very young age. Her love of musical theater came naturally, as did her gifted talents as a singer and her ability to act. By age three she was already the favorite child star in the open air summer stage shows. At age nine, Zola was singing and dancing in local community variety shows with “The Tripple Ripple” - a singing trio she formed with her two best friends! She continued on to play every lead role in her school musicals and plays. Growing up, Zola saw every musical movie, or theatrical production that she could, after which she would race home, humming the theme songs in her head, and run to the piano where her little fingers would effortlessly bring those melodies out to play. Daughter of Holocaust survivor parents, Zola was “raised in an environment well acquainted with love, need, loss and hope, all of which became the building blocks of her original compositions”, sought after songs that are continually covered by other artist too. While greatly inspired by Broadway musicals, film scores and instrumentals, Zola’s other musical influences included Barbara Streisand, The Carpenters, The Beatles, Sting, Bette Midler and the legendary jazz greats. In her college years, while singing with leading general business bands, Zola wrote and performed “First Dance” wedding songs for herself and a few close friends. She then moved on to voiceovers, commercials, contract work for hire, songs for film and privately commissioned songwriting projects that include personalized song gifts. In between her Creative Arts “Broadway Kid Starz” teaching program and entertaining young children, Zola continues to write, record and perform - all with equal passion and love. Press quotes: “...really a beautiful, beautiful CD…”-Holly Harris, WBOS 92. -Blues on Sunday. “...listening to your CD...I am floored and in love. The arrangements, your voice, your songs, your presence and intentions - all stellar.”-Dane Vannatter. “...good hooks and such pretty melodies…”-Ralph Murphy, Assistant VP ASCAP, Nashville. “...her songs have a startling immediacy...She has those delicate ethereal high notes that quiver with emotion...” –Beverly Creasey, Theatre Mirror, IRNE. Website: www.zola.us Email: zola@zola.us. Read more on page 1284 in Vol. II and 1525 in Vol. III of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
Nancy Wilson; a living legend!
Grammy and Emmy multi awards winner. Wilson was born on Feb. 20, 1937 in Chillicothe, Ohio. Her hits include 1962's Save Your Love for Me (collaboration with Cannonball Adderley) and the 1991 album With My Lover Beside Me. In 1967-8 hosted and performed herNBC television show The Nancy Wilson Photo: Nancy Show. In 1993, Nancy Wilson gave MCG Jazz and the world of music another gift – R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal) – which was released on August 25, 2004. Receiving gifts in return, R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal) won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album and the 2005 NAACP Image Award for Best Jazz Artist. (This was her second Grammy, the first being in 1964 for “How Glad I Am,” and her second Image Award, the first being in 1986.) Other honors: Nancy has received include a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, streets and days dedicated in her name, honorary doctorate degrees, and in 2005, the UNCF Trumpet Award celebrating African-American achievement, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP in Chicago, and Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Award. More awards: Grammy 1964 for How Glad I Am. Emmy 1967 for The Nancy Wilson Show. Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame 1999. NEA Jazz Master 2004. Continues NEXT