Sacha Boutros

Artist Information

Biography

"Simply Sacha is Simply Marvelous!"

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."

Instrumentation

Piano, Bass, Drums and when Latin Jazz, Conga's

check out...

http://www.myspace.comjazzsacha

Top of the Myspace charts in Bossa Nova and Jazz

Discography

Yes I have tracks that get radio play, Speak Low is one of them.

2008 SIMPLY SACHA
2008 Red Holloway: Something Old Something New: Introducing Sacha Boutros
2007 Speak Low
2006 Luna Llena Background Coros
2004 - 2005 Various Recordings/Studio work and voice overs
2003 Songs for the Thelonious Monk Competition
2002 Jazz with Mike Wofford
2002 Julio de la Huerta Irresistible 2 songs. Solo Porque Estoy Enamorada and No Me Pidas

Official Website

http://www.sacha-boutros.com

Links

• Official Website of Sacha Boutros
• YOUTUBE VIDEO: Sacha Boutros Live
• Sacha Boutros Official Myspace Site
• CD BABY: To Purchase Simply Sacha

Audio

• Amor Imposible
  Listen  
• Speak Low
  Listen  
• I Can't Give you Anything but Love
  Listen  
• Un Homme et Une Femme
  Listen  
• Chega De Saudade
  Listen  
• Estate
  Listen  
• Time to Fall
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Amor Imposible

Video

Sacha Boutros Sextet Live at Anthology featuring Legendary Sax Red Holloway

Photo Gallery

Press

• "Two Thumbs Up!"
  

  "Two Thumbs Up!"

• Cardiff Jazz Singer Taking the World By Storm [+ Show ]
  

  It surely seems more a question of when Sacha Boutros becomes a famous jazz singer than it is a ques...It surely seems more a question of when Sacha Boutros becomes a famous jazz singer than it is a question of if.
  
  Touted by jazz legend Red Holloway (who is performing with her at Anthology in San Diego on Tuesday) and backed on her soon-to-be-released debut CD not only by Holloway but also local heavyweights Bob Magnusson and Mike Wofford (who once upon a time backed a singer named Sarah Vaughan), along with Peter Sprague, Cardiff's Boutros seemingly has the confidence, training and the pure talent to make her way in the world as a jazz singer.
  
  And, oh yeah: She works her butt off at it, too.
  
  Efforts to reach her for an interview finally proved fruitful when she called last week on her cell phone ---- on the road from Paris to Brussels, where she was taking part in an international voice competition. (When your loyal correspondent learned that her cell phone company was charging her some $10/minute for the international call, the rest of the interview was conducted via e-mail.)
  
  A native of San Diego County, and the daughter of a Lebanese father and a Mexican mother, Boutros wrote that her introduction to music came early.
  
  "My first lesson: I remember it well; it was in the summer, June, I was 4. My grandmother took me to this lady, Cathy's, house ---- we had an appointment and the concern was that I was at least one year too young.
  
  "The piano looked huge. They had to put a pillow under me. She played some notes and then I asked if I could play them back the way she had played them; I did it perfectly.
  
  "My grandmother took me every week for lessons until the summer ended and kindergarten started. My father stopped my lessons when school started. He said that we did not have a piano and that is why he stopped them.
  
  "I was really sad and cried for a long time ---- years. I loved music. It was not until my parents divorced that I began to play, at 13 until about 18 years old, with a lesson every week, then after that on and off with different lessons and teachers, studying classical music until about four years ago."
  
  If her formal lessons came later than she would have liked, her discovery of her own vocal talents came even later.
  
  "I never really knew I could sing until I was 20. I started taking classical voice lessons and am trained in bel canto. I am a soprano."
  
  Beyond the training were the influences. Her parents' record collection. The Sergio Mendes and Beatles albums she bought at a thrift store. The Sinatra songs she heard on the radio. And the female singers who have inspired and shaped her: Maria Callas, Julie Andrews, Sarah Vaughan, Margaret Whiting, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Edith Piaf were all on her list, punctuated with "anyone who sang Gershwin." She also wrote of buying imported CDs from Italy, France and Brazil, and of hushing her family so she could listen to Bach.
  
  So with all those influences, where did the jazz focus come from?
  
  "I love jazz ---- it makes me happy and it's challenging, beautiful and intellectual."
  
  After cutting a demo CD six years ago, she began working on her first full-length CD. It is finished and, while she had hoped to get one of the jazz labels to pick it up, it wouldn't seem that patience is Boutros' strong suit.
  
  "I am still shopping it a bit with some record labels, and Starbucks was interested, but the suspense and waiting for things to happen kill me.
  
  "I would rather take the horse by the reins and put it out on my own label and make things happen, as I usually do."
  
  Sacha Boutros with Red Holloway
  
  When: 8 p.m. Oct. 16
  
  Where: Anthology, 1337 India St., San Diego
  
  Admission: $10-$30
  
  Info: (619) 595-6300
  
  Web: anthologysd.com or myspace.com/jazzsacha

• CD REVIEW "SIMPLY SACHA" [+ Show ]
  

  "Sacha Boutros is a jazz singer. This is to be differentiated from those who merely sing jazz. While..."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

• SIMPLY SACHA LINER NOTES BY KARRIN ALLYSON [+ Show ]
  

  When first putting on an album of a new singer-- or any singer for that matter, I must admit-- I hol...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

• Happy Kid [+ Show ]
  

  Sacha Boutros attended the University of San Diego on an athletic and academic scholarship. "I playe...Sacha Boutros attended the University of San Diego on an athletic and academic scholarship. "I played soccer growing up; I learned how from hall-of-famer Jean Willrich." She played soccer semiprofessionally for ten years.
  
  Going pro wasn't in the cards, however -- singing jazz was. The December 2006 issue of Riviera Magazine named her as one of the "hottest music artists to come out of San Diego." Sacha has performed at jazz festivals across the U.S. and in Mexico. "I learned to sing with my grandfather in church," she says.
  
  Along the way Sacha has learned to speak French, Italian, Spanish, English -- and a bit of Arabic, Portuguese, and Swiss-German. "I am always learning," she adds. "I am classically trained; yes, sir, I sing opera and have a four-octave range."
  
  Her CD Speak Low will be out this September. "It has jazz, Latin bossa nova, swing, and pop. It's in five languages and features Geoffrey Keezer, Red Holloway, and Chuchito ValdŽs, who I wrote a song with. Half of the album is original."
  
  Sacha will perform at Tapenade La Jolla on Thursday, August 16, at 5:30 p.m.
  
  TRICKIEST PROBLEM PLAYING LIVE?
  
  "What I hate is when I am playing somewhere and people are loud. Funny, because they are there to hear music. Once I was singing downtown [San Diego] and there was no mike. The people were very loud. I started singing 'The Days of Wine and Roses,' and in between the first two 'A' sections I yelled, 'Shut the fuck up!' so loud that you could hear a pin drop in the room. Then I kept on singing and smiling. You should have seen the people's faces. The musicians were so happy; they were nodding their heads behind me. They listened after that!"
  
  WHAT'S IN YOUR CD PLAYER?
  
  "Jon Hendricks, John Coltrane, Tony Bennett, Jobim, Luis Miguel, Bill Evans, Judy Garland, Lola Beltran, Sinatra. I have satellite radio, and it does not stray far from the Sinatra station."
  
  BRUSH WITH THE FAMOUS?
  
  "Many, many brushes. I spent a few days at a spa hanging out with director Paul Mazursky --that was fun -- and getting kissed by Julio Iglesias after I opened for him was a blast. I had Roger Ebert at a concert once -- he gave me the thumbs up, that was cool. Red Holloway is a good friend -- through him I have met many people like Bill Cosby and Etta James. Red has so many amazing stories that I can't get enough of. I get to hear about Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, who was his best friend, and his mischievous stories about him and George Benson."
  
  BEST GIG?
  
  "I have opened for Julio Iglesias and Marvin Hamlisch, but I would say the best gig was the one I got paid the most for. I play at a spa in Mexico -- I would say it is the best because I have an audience that listens."
  
  WORST GIG?
  
  "Nothing has ever been that bad...although I have had some pianists with terrible attitudes. Once one of them threw the chart up in the air and started bitching. It was hard to get through the gig. His energy was bad and everyone felt it."
  
  EARLIEST MEMORY?
  
  "Sitting under the lemon tree at my house in Bonita. I remember being little. I think I was not even one yet; my mom could not find me, and I remember crawling under the tree. I was a happy kid."
  
  FAVORITE QUOTE?
  
  "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." -- Mahatma Gandhi
  
  PROM NIGHT?
  
  "Went to dinner with a big group at OlŽ Madrid. I went to San Diego High School; the party was at USD. It was lame. I had more fun later -- a bunch of friends went to downtown to CafŽ Bassam and hung out all night drinking coffee and smoking cigars."
  
  WHERE DO YOU SEE MUSIC GOING IN THE 21st CENTURY?
  
  "To shit! Acoustic music is just barely hanging on. Standards are getting older and older, and if you are not singing rap, pop, or hip-hop, it seems as though you can't make it in this business to the level of stardom. Music will soon be completely digital, and record stores will be a thing of the past. However, with everything online now it is easier for independent artists to self-produce their own albums and have a chance to compete with bigger artists if they work the 'net and their music is good."
  
  FAVORITE SAN DIEGO HANGOUT?
  
  "The Red Fox Room. This is my favorite place. More so when Shirley Allen was there -- she was amazing. She passed away. She taught me so much. I saw her three to five times a week for years. I went and sang there as much as I could with her; she had the most amazing musical style. People don't have that sound anymore or know that many songs. The place is great: old round tables, dark inside. It's a bar from the 16th Century that was brought over from England."

• "Simply Sacha is Simply Marvelous!"
  

  "Simply Sacha is Simply Marvelous!"

• Frankie Laine's 90th Birthday
  

  "A Vocalist of Promise..." - San Diego Union Tribune

• Chocolate-dipped strawberries hold delicious meaning [+ Show ]
  

  Around Town On May 28, Sacha Boutros celebrated the release of her new CD, ÒSimply Sacha,Ó down...Around Town
  
  On May 28, Sacha Boutros celebrated the release of her new CD, ÒSimply Sacha,Ó downtown in Little Italy at Anthology. The dining room to the bar was packed full of SachaÕs fans celebrating with her while she performed her latest hits from her new CD. I was lucky enough to sit with my friends in a large round corner booth while we nibbled on fabulous cheese plates and appetizers they call Òsliders.Ó I must say, I felt rather ÒuptownÓ in my black Goldie Hawn-looking go-go boots. Luckily for me, I wore them before Memorial Weekend. You can find more out about SachaÕs splendid jazz music at www.sacha-boutros.com.
  
  (2 pics were in the paper as well)
  by Machel Penn

• Local Jazz Whiz! [+ Show ]
  

  Local jazz whiz San Diego native jazz singer Sacha Boutros seems to be anything but an ingŽnue. S...Local jazz whiz
  
  San Diego native jazz singer Sacha Boutros seems to be anything but an ingŽnue. She speaks five languages, has the range of an operatic singer and is compared to many jazz greats of yesteryear, yet she's only 26 years old. You can experience the young and talented Boutros on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the first of the Westgate Hotel's Jazz and Martini Nights, happening every first and third Thursday of the month in the hotel's sleek Plaza Bar. The Westgate is located at 1055 Second Ave., Downtown. Free. 800-522-1564 or www.sacha-boutros.com.

• Heart and Soul Gala 2008 [+ Show ]
  

  On Saturday, March 1, 2008 Jewish Family Service of San Diego welcomed more than 500 guests to its a...On Saturday, March 1, 2008 Jewish Family Service of San Diego welcomed more than 500 guests to its annual spring Heart and Soul Gala at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla. This yearÕs theme, Share Your Heart, celebrated the accomplishments of Marsha Berkson, Merle Fischlowitz, and Carole and Jerry Turk whose vision, leadership and dedication resulted in the creation of The Hand Up Youth Food Pantry, North County Inland Senior Center and Senior Wheels, and the Turk Family Center. The elegant evening set records for attendance and money raised, raising more than $700,000 to benefit the more than 50 social service programs of JFS. Highlights of the evening included a touching video documenting Jewish Family ServiceÕs impact in the community, a special performance by the internationally acclaimed Sacha Boutros Jazz Quintet, and a stunning ballroom featuring dŽcor by Paul Kauffman of Studioflora. The Gala was co-chaired by Nadja Kauder, Barbara Lubin, and Felicia Mandelbaum with auction co-chairs, Jennifer Kagnoff, Ashley Stone, and Jeri Rubin. Remarking on the success of the event, Felicia Mandelbaum stated, ÒBecause of the overwhelming support of our event underwriters, patrons, attendees and auction donors, we were able to surpass all of our goals! A special thank you to our Title Sponsors, The Serenity Fund and Charitable Auto Resources, Inc.; our Presenting Sponsors, Joyce Axelrod and Joe Fisch and Erna and Andrew Viterbi; and our Dinner Sponsors, Jeffrey and Barbara Lubin and Joan and Irwin Jacobs.Ó

Setlist

Sing Bossa Novas in Portuguese, Boleros in Spanish, French Chansons, Bepop, Jazz, Standards, Italian songs and many more... reportoire is over 1,000 songs

Basic Requirements

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