Music
Press
We’ve been lucky lately. In this time of economic downturn we’ve actually had two new jazz venues open their doors in town. Lucid has been creating what could be considered Seattle's equivalent to the New York downtown scene (except that it's in the U-district), and Local Color has brought a much more adult (but no less hip) cultural air to the actual downtown core. Performing at Local Color this Saturday is Leah Natale, who has been quietly gaining a much deserved reputation around town with her sultry voice and slick vocal styling reminiscent of early Rosemary Clooney. Her Ambience ensemble features a particularly solid group of musicians, led by the impeccable artistry of guitarist George Stone. This is a great opportunity to support this fabulous new venue and this intriguing local group at the same time. - EARSHOT
Discography
Ambience - "The Second Set" info and samples can be found at www.ambiencejazz.net. Also available on CD Baby, Amazon.com, & iTunes
Leah Natale - "My Someday" info can be found on Leah's site www.leahnatale.com
Demo sound clips of Ambience can be found on
our site at www.ambiencejazz.net
Photos
Bio
The bands formation and success is rooted in each member's dedication to the sophistication and beauty of the Golden Era of Jazz. When this idea is mixed with modern swing and latin feels, you get the distinctive and intoxicating sound of Ambience which can be heard in their debut recording “The Second Set,” that was successfully released in January 2009.
The Band:
Ambience’s distinctive sound is characterized by tasteful guitar, lively brisk be-bop horn lines, robust bass, stimulating percussion and the pure sultry voice of Leah Natale.
Chris Busa (winds) played in bands throughout Southern California and has played the college and amusement park circuit along with various Hollywood and Vegas club venues. He opened for Tower of Power, and was invited by the head of Jazz Studies to become the lead soloist for the Pepperdine University Jazz Band. Chris recently returned to Seattle.
Leah Natale (vocals) fairly new to the Seattle Jazz scene has freelanced with bands in Chicago and Minneapolis. Leah studied with Richard Davis, bass player for Sarah Vaughn and recently produced her debut album, My Someday, recorded with a 10-piece jazz orchestra. Her smooth vocals can be heard on radio stations throughout the country and have been well received in Japan.
George Stone (guitar) performs regularly in the Northwest with a variety of great players in the Seattle area. He became interested in the guitar as a teenager. In his 20's George studied classical guitar. In the last few years he has been in-demand as a Jazz performer, requested frequently as a rhythm-section player by many Seattle area musicians. George plays a custom-built 7-string guitar. In addition to Ambience George also performs with the Buck-Stone Guitar duo, and Earshot Hall of Fame inductee, Gary Steele.
Burt Boice (bass) spent his nights gaining street credit by playing in local Seattle and regional jazz clubs while studying music in college by day. He has performed &/or recorded with international, national and local artists, such as multi-Grammy award winner Airto Moreira, legendary Brazilian percussionist, two-time Grammy nominee Jovino Santos-Neto, former Pianist for the legendary Hermeto Pascoal Grupo, Eduardo Mondonca, winner of the Brazilian International Press Award for outstanding Brazilian artist in the U.S., Buddy Catlett, former Bassist for such Jazz luminaries as: Louis Armstrong, Count Basie & Quincy Jones, Burt includes guitar, electric bass, piano, flute, melodica, Brazilian percussion, composing and arranging to his growing musical arsenal.
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