The Centenary Stage Company will swing into spring with the Jennifer Leitham Trio as part of the “Jazz in the Box” series at the David and Carol Lackland Center, in the Edith Bolte Kutz Theatre on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 4pm.

Jennifer Leitham   photo © Jeff Michelson

Jennifer Leitham

"Leitham’s prodigious technique and improvisatory prowess promptly erase any emotion except awe."
                         ... J. Robert Bragonier - 52nd St. Jazz

Jennifer Jane Leitham has been referred to by noted jazz critic Leonard Feather as the "left-handed virtuoso of the upright bass." In addition to her successful performance career, Jennifer has appeared on over 100 recordings with some of the giants of jazz music. Jennifer is best known for her decade long stints with both Mel Tormé and Doc Severinsen. She has appeared with many distinguished artists including Woody Herman, George Shearing, Gerry Mulligan, Peggy Lee, Joe Pass, Cleo Laine, Louie Bellson, Pete Rugolo, Bill Watrous, and numerous others. She has also been a member of the Tonight Show All-Stars, The Woody Herman Thundering Herd, Benny Carter Quintet, Bob Cooper Quartet, Diva, & more.

"Leitham is phenomenal, that rare kind of player you want to chase down at every festival and then listen to all day long."
                            ... Lillian Arganian

Jennifer's Web site:   www.jenniferleitham.com

John Colianni -Piano
John was Mel Torme’’s pianist for four years!

"The best you'll ever hear."
              …Mel Torme

John played among veteran D.C. musicians including Ella Fitzgerald's bassist, Keter Betts. He landed a spot in Hampton's orchestra and traveled and recorded for three years with Hampton & band members that included tenor sax great Arnett Cobb, saxists Paul Jeffrey and Tom Chapin, drummers Frankie Dunlop, Oliver Jackson & Duffy Jackson, bassists George Duvivier &Arvell Shaw, and others.

"A brilliant pianist, composer, arranger with exquisite taste, great technique, charming, witty, he has much to bring to the table – and he's got rhythm. Who could ask for anything more?"
                      ...Jimmy Woode, bassist with Duke Ellington

John's Web site:  www.johncolianni.com  (with Mel Torme video)
 
 
 

Sherrie Maricle - Drums

From the drum set Maricle leads her big band The Diva Jazz Orchestra her quintet Five Play, and The Diva Jazz Trio. From Carnegie Hall, she performs with The New York Pops & is also the orchestra’s Director of Education & works with acclaimed Broadway star Maurice Hines. Sherrie has performed at many of the world’s most acclaimed music venues which include: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl, Symphony Halls in Philadelphia, Cleveland &Saint Louis, Jazz Festivals throughout the U.S. & abroad.

"Sherrie has always had the power to burn, but during her years in New York she has developed the subtle side of her technique, employing dynamics to whisper as well as roar."
                     …Binghamton Press

Sherrie's Web site:  www.divajazz.com/sherrie.html