Jazz Vespers: Kate Baker, Gary Versace, Jay Anderson

NYC's unique Jazz Prayer Service.Sundays at 5 since 1965. All are welcome. Free to attend!This week, we welcome... Kate Baker (vocals)Gary Versace (piano)Jay Anderson (bass) About Kate Baker Kate Baker is a critically acclaimed jazz singer. Her album Returned to Shore is a luminous guitar and voice duet with her late husband Vic Juris. The album won plaudits, including 4.5 stars in DownBeat. The golden-voiced Baker’s legacy runs deep—in jazz, Brazilian music, and Americana—and she performs regularly to sold-out performances around the world. “One of the most impressive performers to come along in years,” (Los Angeles Times), much in demand vocalist Kate Baker is a heartfelt interpreter of lyrics with an “unmistakably original voice that is smooth and hypnotic” (Boston Globe), resonating with her love of diverse musical inspirations. A musician’s singer with a high level of musicianship, she regularly performs in a variety of settings from duo (most notably in a 20-year partnership with her late husband, legendary guitarist Vic Juris—the duo was described by the Los Angeles Times as “exciting, organic and completely captivating.”) Over the years, other giants of jazz included Donny McCaslin, Steve Wilson, Dave Stryker, Claudio Roditi, Norman Simmons, Richie Cole and the Alto Madness Orchestra, Gary Versace, Jay Anderson, Houston Person, and Rachael Z. For the past two decades, she has been exciting audiences worldwide with a voice that bassist Harv calls “beautiful and authentic,” and pianist Rachel Z Hakim calls “irresistibly engaging and intimate… reflecting a lifetime of experiences of love, loss, and hope, and deftly showing her courageous spirit.” Z Hakim counts herself among Ms. Baker’s many fans. “Kate’s beautiful tone and stunning voice, informed by her philosophy of living as a high integrity human being, enhances her ability to connect musically with the audience and other musicians. Her pure musical heart connection inspires each of us to aim higher, love harder, and pursue art fearlessly,” says Rachel Z Hakim. Kate has performed at venues and festivals all over the world, including the Monterey Jazz Festival, The Euro Meet, Montrose, Carini, and Pergine Jazz Festivals in Europe, as well as over the tri-state area, including Berkshire, JVC, OSPAC Jazz Festival, the Blue Note, Birdland, Mezzrow, Jazz Forum, Jazz Standard, and the Greenwich Village mainstay, the 55 Bar. Her credits include appearances on Blue Horizon (SteepleChase), Vic Plays Victor Young (SteepleChase), and A Second Look (Mel Bay Records), all with Vic Juris. She is also on American Classics with Rich Cole and the Alto Madness Orchestra, and her 4.5 DownBeat award record Return to Shore with Vic Juris. About Gary Versace Gary Versace is a renowned jazz pianist and composer known for his versatility and melodic creativity. He has collaborated with prominent artists such as Michael Brecker, Chris Potter, Dave Liebman, and Vic Juris. Versace has performed at prestigious venues and festivals, earning acclaim for his improvisational skills and innovative solo work. His albums and projects blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary influences, reflecting his diverse musical background. About Jay Anderson Jay Anderson is one of the most versatile and respected jazz artists performing today. He has won numerous awards in jazz and classical. His collaborations include Vic Juris, Michael Brecker, Toots Thielemans, Bob Mintzer, Michael Franks, Eliane Elias, and Joe Sample. Twelve of his collaborations were Grammy-nominated. More Info below.