PRESS KIT
“With great vocals, superb instrumentals and an exciting selection of music, this is vocal jazz at its best.”
Holiday SoirÉE Album Reviews
Veteran pianist-arranger-bandleader George Kahn recently released one of the first new holiday jazz CDs of this season. His wide-ranging set includes inventive versions of Yuletide favorites (including “White Christmas,” “Jingle Bells” and “Merry Christmas Baby”), a few originals (such as a jubilant “Boogie Woogie Christmas Baby”) and some surprises.
While Kahn plays piano and there are solos along the way from guitarist Grant Geissman, Robert Kyle (tenor, soprano and flute), and trumpeter Kris Bergh, the focus is on the consistently delightful singing of Courtney Lemmon, Gina Saputo and Crystal Starr. The vocalists have their individual features but it is when they interact with each other and sing together that the music is particularly memorable. Each of the singers has an attractive voice, they swing, and they blend together very well, operating as equals. Their version of “White Christmas,” which is very much in the 1950s Xmas jazz tradition, is one of the highpoints of this fun set.
While a couple of the pieces (“My Favorite Things” and a medley of “All Blues” and “Shake Your Body”) stretch the repertoire a bit, they are also filled with the spirit of the season. Holiday Soiree, which is available from www.jazzandbluesrevue.com, serves as an ideal soundtrack for a holiday-based party.
Scott Yanow
LA Jazz Scene- Wax Poetic Reviews
What People Are Saying
“Pianist George Kahn has been putting together ambitious and successful shows in the L.A. area for years. His Jazz & Blues Revue puts the spotlight on three equally talented singers: Courtney Lemmon, Gina Saputo and Crystal Starr…Each of the vocalists are also in the lead on three songs apiece, belting their hearts out…Overall Jazz & Blues Revue is quite fun and certainly full of spirit.”
— Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene
“This team should make every vocal group in NYC quiver with fear if they ever decided to leave the land of In N Out Burgers for the land of Lombardi’s. Unique, yet universal.”
— George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly.
“This is the best act I’ve seen in the last 30 years. Please get them back soon.”
— Dan McGuire, Artistic Selection Coordinators
Bakersfield Community Concert Association
“They appeal to all ages and all musical tastes. Songs of the ’30s, ‘40s through the ‘60s and ‘70s with excellent arrangements left everyone pleased.
When a musical group has a great female singer, the audience is entertained. But, when a group like The George Kahn Jazz and Blues Revue has THREE great female singers, the audience is left in awe.
I heartily recommend this group for your audience.
— Bob Smith, Artistic Selection Coordinators
Bakersfield Community Concert Association
“Culver City has been lucky to have George Kahn in his many iterations including jazz and blues revue, his trio and his quartet, grace the stages of Culver City. His band brings professionalism and style to our community and is a crowd favorite for all our events no matter the demographics. If you are looking for the cool edge and some great music, George Kahn is the the best choice.”
— Edgar Varela, Culver City Special Events Manager