“Saudade” Original Bossa Nova Music Video with English Lyrics by Lua Hadar (2020)
San Francisco, CA, May 2, 2020. American vocalist and songwriter Lua Hadar releases the second original music video of her Voyager Project with the YouTube debut of her new song “Saudade”.
“Saudade” is a Portuguese word describing a profound emotional state of yearning for happiness that has passed. Although production on the song was begun in 2018, the feeling of “saudade” seems particularly pertinent in “The Time of Corona.”
Digging deep into her archives, her past, and her own spirit, Lua asks herself questions about the innocence of childhood, aroused by a sense memory.
“I was raised on Long Island, New York, and we went to the Atlantic Ocean beaches frequently. Walking on an Atlantic beach decades later, my feet remembered the specific feel and temperature of the sand, and the lyrics came pouring out of me.”
The 5:45 minute music video was produced in collaboration with Hadar’s longtime music partner, Dr. Jason Martineau, whose skills in music production, photography, and video production are on display in this new piece.
Lua’s blog Nomad Notes – WHAT IS SAUDADE?
The “Saudade” digital audio single by Lua Hadar with Twist will soon be available on digital services.
“Saudade” is free to view on Lua Hadar’s YouTube channel
Press Release about the May 26, 2018 debut of Twist’s new Music Video, Our Common Humanity, in a live concert at the San Francisco International Arts Festival. See it HERE.
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| Media Contacts: Paula Heitman Media Relations for Society Cabaret Phone: 619 227-7652 paulaheitman@SocietyCabaret.comLua Hadar Vocalist & Producer Phone: 415-377-4858 lua@luahadar.com PHOTOS 300 DPI PRINT READY http://luahadar.com/downloads.html
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When in Rome: Songs of the “La Dolce Vita” Era features popular Italian and American hits by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Luigi Tenco, Henry Mancini, Domenico Modugno and more, including such vintage favorites as Arrivederci Roma, Al di là, Volare and When in Rome, peppered with Lua’s humorous stories and a swinging band. Italian and English Vocals: Lua Hadar; Piano: Jason Martineau; Bass: Dan Feiszli; Drums: Kelly Park. Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason Street, San Francisco. November 10 at 8pm. Tickets $25-40. 
As an indie performer-producer, Hadar has released three CDs with Music Director Jason Martineau and Twist. Twist’s most recent recording, the CD and DVD “Like A Bridge,” was nominated for an Independent Music Award and released at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in September of 2013 after its screen premiere at San Francisco’s Historic Balboa Theater. With its songs in seven languages, the full-length concert film “Like A Bridge” went live in September 2016 on 
International vocalist Lua Hadar and her jazz trio perform Italian and American jukebox hits from the 1950s through 80’s in their new show, When in Rome. Produced by New Performance Group and the Italian Cultural Institute at the Institute’s new Opera Plaza location (San Francisco Civic Center) the show features popular Italian and American hits by Ennio Morricone, Nino Rota, Luigi Tenco, Henry Mancini, Domenico Modugno and more, including such favorites as Arrivederci Roma, Al di là, Volare and of course When in Rome. Vocals: Lua Hadar; Piano: Jason Martineau; Bass: Dan Feiszli; Drums: Kelly ParkFriday, June 17 at 7:30pm at The Italian Cultural Institute (Istituto Italiano di Cultura di San Francisco), Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco.Doors at 7:00. Tickets $20 in advance. Tickets at the door $25. Students/Members at The Italian Cultural Institute may purchase advance tickets for $15 with a password obtainable from The Institute. 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Francisco, CA
February 23, 2015
10-Year Jubilee Duo Concert
Vocalist Lua Hadar & Pianist Jason Martineau
Lua Hadar and Jason Martineau celebrate 10 Years of Music-Making
Celebrating ten years of glorious music-making, vocalist Lua Hadar and pianist Jason Martineau come together for a rare duo concert in the acoustic space of creativity salon The Emerald Tablet, Sunday, March 29 at 6pm. (doors 5:30). The salon in the heart of North Beach sits right next to iconic blues club The Saloon and across Columbus Ave. from City Lights Bookstore. Eclectic, worldly and funny, the duo will populate their program with their signature variety of grooves and languages with special emphasis on the tunes you might not hear in concert with their band, Twist. Space is limited and advance sale tickets at $20 are on sale now at https://eventbrite.com/event/1384664569/ as well as at the door on a space-available basis. A reception with the artists will follow the concert. Advance sale orders receive a free download card at the door. The Emerald Tablet, 80 Fresno Street, San Francisco 94133, http://emtab.org and http://luahadar.com
Just yards away from their sold-out 2005 debut at the legendary Purple Onion, Hadar and Martineau unite at the hip new venue in San Francisco’s North Beach for a 10-year anniversary Duo Concert. The Emerald Tablet, (a creativity salon run by Della Haywood and Lapo Guzzini) presents performances, exhibits, and workshops in a wide variety of fields. With a grand piano and an intimate space, the stage is set for the vocal and pianistic artistry of this virtuosic pair of performers.
Martineau and Hadar began working together in 2005, when producer Candace Forest brought them together for Lua’s first solo recording project, It’s About Time. Since then, they formed Twist and have collaborated on three CDs and a DVD, performing live shows in New York, Los Angeles, Bangkok and many Bay Area venues, including the renowned jazz venue, Yoshi’s.
Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s cosmopolitan jazz ensemble Twist has developed a multi-lingual world jazz fusion that twists the styles of international standards and brings new material into the jazz idiom.
Martineau’s skilled and sensitive arrangements utilize Hadar’s wide range of vocal styles and languages, bringing classic tunes into jazz from far-flung places on the planet as Japan, Madagascar, Brazil, France and Italy.
Lua has charmed audiences from New York’s Iridium Jazz Club to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center to the Swan Bar in Paris, releasing three CDs with Music Director Jason Martineau and Twist. The most recent, Like A Bridge, was recorded in 2012 as the centerpiece of her Bridges Project. The Like A Bridge DVD was nominated for an Independent Music Award and was released at Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland in September of 2013 after its premiere at San Francisco’s Historic Balboa Theater. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4424714/
Hadar is no stranger to North Beach clubs, having performed and hosted many events through the years at The Purple Onion (http://purpleonionlive.com), Peña Pachamama (http://pachamamacenter.org) and Jazz at Pearl’s (http://www.jazzwest.com/articles/pearls_closing.html).
In her early years in San Francisco Lua performed frequently at the famous Caffè Trieste, rubbing elbows with musicians and bohemians such as the late painter Lorant Chovan, who created many images of the chanteuse.
The late painter Lorant Chovan created numerous images of the chanteuse.
QUOTES:
An artist with excellent, eclectic tastes. – Palo Alto Daily News
She has a gorgeous voice, which she channels through numerous languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Japanese. In any dialect, Hadar’s vocals are emotionally charged and meaningful. Pianist/music director Jason Martineau brings an appropriate worldliness to the impeccable arrangements. – Pop Culture Classics
…An effervescent swing, a dynamite range with passionate phrasing, Hadar is nothing if not the consummate entertainer… – Critical Jazz
BIOS
Vocalist Lua Hadar interprets an eclectic song list with swing, passion, humor and a soaring range. She has been molded by cultural exchange in places diverse as Bali, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, France and Italy, where she performed and taught for five years. Lua has charmed audiences at such noted jazz clubs as Yoshi’s Oakland and New York’s Iridium to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center and the Swan Bar in Paris. Hadar’s band Twist has been cultivating their cosmopolitan jazz sound since 2007, twisting the style of international standards and performing originals in 7 languages (and counting). Hadar’s discography includes It’s About Time, her first project with pianist/music director Jason Martineau, initiating their 10-year collaboration in 2005. Lua Hadar with Twist followed in 2008, and the CD/DVD project Like A Bridge was recorded live at Fantasy Studios in 2012, under the direction of Emmy-winning director Lawrence Jordan. Lua’s recent projects have brought her to San Francisco’s Society Cabaret for French Bastille Day with her band and to host and co-produce the Italian-themed festival Cabaret Comico. Lua and Jason also performed an Italian concert in benefit to the San Francisco Symphony in January 2015. This spring, Lua looks forward to teaching a master class in France. http://www.luahadar.com
Jason Martineau is an award-winning composer, pianist, arranger, music director, producer and instructor, active in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1995. With graduate degrees from both the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Manhattan School of Music, he has composed numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, solo piano, and chorus, as well as a full-length musical, multiple film scores, and over 200 songs, both instrumental and vocal. A prolific recording artist in genres from jazz to world fusion to classical, he is also on the faculty of both the San Francisco Conservatory and The Academy of Art University teaching music notation, theory, film scoring, orchestration and counterpoint. Jason’s film scores have been featured in documentaries broadcast on PBS stations around the US since 1998 and he has authored two books, the newest entitled Love: The Song of the Universe. In 2015 he celebrates ten years of artistic collaboration with vocalist Lua Hadar, with whom he arranged and recorded three CDs and a DVD, and toured New York, Los Angeles, and the Bangkok International Festival of Dance and Music. http://www.jasonmartineau.com
LINKS
Emerald Tablet Directions http://emtab.org/directions/
Youtube video Lua and Jason perform Vorrei: http://youtu.be/PQL6xSRUh2k
Hi-Res Images to download: http://luahadar.com/downloads.html
Facebook Event: http://on.fb.me/1Aks97W
CALENDAR EDITORS
Vocalist Lua Hadar and Pianist Jason Martineau in a 10-Year Jubilee Duo Concert celebrating 10 years of music-making. Sunday, March 29 at 6pm (doors 5:30) at The Emerald Tablet, 80 Fresno Street in the heart of North Beach, San Francisco, CA, 94133. Ph 415-500-2323. Advance sale tickets $20 at https://eventbrite.com/event/1384664569/ or at the door on a space-available basis. Info at http://emtab.org and http://luahadar.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts
Paula Heitman paulaheitman@SocietyCabaret.com 619 227-7652
Lua Hadar lua@luahadar.com 415-377-4858
International cultural exchange brings
Cabaret Comico 2014 to
Society Cabaret at Hotel Rex
Friday and Saturday, October 17-18, 2014
San Francisco, CA, September 12, 2014
San Francisco’s version of Italy’s comic cabaret festival, From the Shaman to the Showman, returns this year with double the fun. Society Cabaret presents two different nights of the Bay Area’s funniest singers and songwriters performing original songs and comic numbers from musical theater in the 2014 edition of Cabaret Comico: A salute to comic singers and songwriters, hosted by G. Scott Lacy and Lua Hadar.
October 26, 2013 marked Chapter One of an international cultural exchange for the production of Cabaret Comico, a partnership of San Francisco’s Society Cabaret and New Performance Group with the Italian Centro Culturale Teatro Camuno, and their Festival Dallo Sciamano allo Showman (From the Shaman to the Showman), the cabaret festival of original comic songs and songwriters. The word ‘comic’ is key here; in Italy all cabaret is comic.
Since 1987 Lua Hadar’s New Performance Group has maintained a cultural dialogue and collaboration with Nini Giacomelli’s Centro Culturale Teatro Camuno. As co-producer and co-host of the San Francisco cabaret event, Lua says, “I’m thrilled that after the years of success this Italian festival has experienced, we have been able to create a cultural partnership through Society Cabaret which offers two fresh and funny evenings by local entertainers, designed to tickle San Francisco’s funny bone. Victor Borge said, ‘Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.’ When the audience laughs together, we can feel our common humanity. We need that.”
WHO: San Francisco Bay’s Funniest Singers and Songwriters, Hosts: G.Scott Lacy and Lua Hadar
WHAT: Cabaret Comico 2014, in partnership with Italian Cabaret Festival Dallo Sciamano allo Showman
WHERE: Society Cabaret at Hotel Rex Union Square, 562 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102
WHEN: Two different shows, Friday and Saturday, October 17-18 at 8pm (doors at 7pm; no minimums)
WHY: Laughter is good for you
HOW: Tickets (NO FEES) at Ticketmaster.com http://bit.ly/1lX2JJ5 or call 415-857-1896, or at the door.
VIDEO: http://bit.ly/1pOgXM6
Friday Night Program, October 17, 2014
8:00 PM Cabaret Comico: A Salute to Comic Singers and Songwriters. Special Guest Stars: Candace Forest, Paul Frantz, Diane Merlino, Nancy Schimmel, and Bobby Weinapple, Beth Wilmurt.
Saturday Night Program, October 18, 2014
8:00 PM Cabaret Comico: A Salute to Comic Singers and Songwriters. Special Guest Stars: Marilyn Cooney, Bill Cooper, Barry Lloyd, Lauren Mayer, Darlene Popovic, and Ray Renati.
SHORT BLURB: Society Cabaret presents the 2014 edition of Cabaret Comico: A salute to comic singers and songwriters. Two different shows hosted by Society Cabaret’s Director of Entertainment G. Scott Lacy with vocalist and emcee Lua Hadar. GUEST STARS: OCT 17 at 8pm – Candace Forest, Paul Frantz, Diane Merlino, Nancy Schimmel, and Bobby Weinapple, Beth Wilmurt. OCT 18 at 8pm – Marilyn Cooney, Bill Cooper, Barry Lloyd, Lauren Mayer, Darlene Popovic, and Ray Renati. Hotel Rex Union Square, 562 Sutter St, San Francisco Tickets at Ticketmaster.com http://bit.ly/1lX2JJ5
or call 415-857-1896. Video http://bit.ly/1pOgXM6
TWEET: Cabaret Comico – G. Scott Lacy and Lua Hadar host SF’s funny singers and songwriters Oct 17-18. Societycabaret.com http://bit.ly/1pOgXM6
MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS:
Now in it’s 11th year in Italy’s Valle Camonica, Dallo Sciamano allo Showman is a co-production of Centro Culturale Teatro Camuno and the renowned festival of original song and songwriters, Club Tenco. Featuring many stars as well as emerging artists, it has been covered by Italian National Television RAI. The Valle Camonica, in the Lombardy Region of northern Italy, boasts a UNESCO site of prehistoric rock carvings, which have greatly influenced local artists and scholars, among them festival producer Nini Giacomelli and her creative team, who see the performer as a kind of shaman, healing the audience through laughter.
Society Cabaret enters its second year of international co-production to expand last year’s 1-night pilot project to a 2-night event, with this year’s edition of Cabaret Comico. The star attraction at San Francisco’s Hotel Rex Union Square, Society Cabaret’s 75-seat house is a gem of a performance space, with sound, lights, a grand piano, cabaret tables, a full bar and a terrific kitchen. Society Cabaret’s four founding partners combine their individual artistic expertise to bring a cooperative vision to their thriving performance venue. Director of Entertainment, G. Scott Lacy, co-hosts both evenings together with Lua Hadar.
Lua Hadar’s New Performance Group is dedicated to deepening intercultural communication through the performing arts, arts education and cultural exchange with the goal to bring an awareness of our common humanity to audiences and participants. New Performance Group has produced classes, performances, CDs, community events, international exchange and a DVD in its 20-year history. Nominated for an Independent Music Award, Lua Hadar is a vocalist, emcee and indie producer with a long history of performing both abroad (Italy, France, Thailand and more) and in New York and San Francisco, including at legendary North Beach music venues such as The Purple Onion, Peña Pachamama, Caffé Trieste and Jazz at Pearl’s.
SOCIETY CABARET
www.societycabaret.com
General Manager: Tim Heitman
Director of Entertainment: G. Scott Lacy
Director of Artist Management: Christopher M. Nelson
Director of Marketing: Paula Heitman
NEW PERFORMANCE GROUP
www.luahadar.com
www.likeabridge.net
www.newperformancegroup.net
Founders: Lua Hadar, Alessandro Alzetta
Lua Hadar, Creative Director
CENTRO CULTURALE TEATRO CAMUNO (Dallo Sciamano allo Showman Festival)
www.ninigiacomelli.it
www.shomano.it
www.ccteatrocamuno.it
Nini Giacomelli
Bibi Bertelli
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July 12, 2014 Bastille Day Show at Society Cabaret
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2014
San Francisco
To celebrate French Independence Day, Lua Hadar with Twist presents their popular French Music Hall show, C’est Magnifique! This Bastille-Day-with-a-Twist features, for the first time, the swing of Tom Bekeny’s jazz violin. Saturday, July 12 at 8pm (seating from 7pm) at Society Cabaret at the Hotel Rex Union Square, 562 Sutter Street, San Francisco. Tickets start at $30 (NO FEES) at Ticketmaster or http://www.societycabaret.com. Or call 415-857-1896. Full bar, great food.
More info at http://www.likeabridge.net and http://www.luahadar.com.
The show presents a variety of songs from the popular traditions of Paris, including those of the influential American songwriter, Cole Porter; hence the title C’est Magnifique!, a song from Cole Porter’s 1953 musical, Can-Can.
Tom Bekeny’s Stephane Grappelli-style swing brings a gypsy jazz color to the show, in a new twist for Twist.
French songs by Charles Trenet, Maxime LeForestier, Edith Piaf and Serge Gainsbourg round out the set list, and as ever, Lua’s humorous anecdotes provide her personalized bridge to the songs, whether you speak French or not.
Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s band TWIST has developed a reputation for twisting the style of international standards, performing original numbers and presenting songs in different languages. Lua has charmed audiences from Yoshi’s Jazz Club to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center to the Swan Bar in Paris, where, on a return engagement, she previewed C’est Magnifique! to an enthusiastic full house before bringing it to San Francisco’s Society Cabaret for its first run in November 2013.
Join us at Society Cabaret at the Hotel Rex Union Square, San Francisco to celebrate Bastille Day as Lua Hadar with Twist returns to present C’est Magnifique!. Parking is available at the Sutter-Stockton garage. Seating begins at 7pm for the 8pm show. A full bar and delicious menu are available at tables during the show, for a real cabaret experience.
Lua on French and English vocals, Music Director Jason Martineau on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass, Kelly Park on drums, and featuring Tom Bekeny on jazz violin.
Tickets starting at $30 with no fees EVER. PHONE: 415-857-1896
http://www.ticketmaster.com/Lua-Hadar-tickets/artist/1911076
Lua Hadar with Twist
C’est Magnifique!
Bastille with a Twist
Saturday July 12 at 8pm;
seating begins at 7pm
Society Cabaret at Hotel Rex
562 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94102
http://www.societycabaret.com
415-857-1896
…such a lovely variety of songs from cabaret traditions of Paris (and beyond), that we might as well have been in a brick-walled basement room in the quartier latin. – Talkin’ Broadway
First call band of international talent and an innate gift of swing. – Critical Jazz
An artist with excellent, eclectic tastes. – Palo Alto Daily News
Lua Hadar has always delighted listeners with her ability to cross all barriers and create a cosmopolitan jazz sound. – EMusic.com
Lua Hadar with Twist
http://www.luahadar.com
bookings: info@luahadar.com
LIKE us on Facebook
FOLLOW Lua on Twitter
See video below from our November 2013 debut of “C’est Magnifique!” at San Francisco’s Society Cabaret. The July 12 show features the jazz violin of Tom Bekeny instead of the jazz accordion of David Miotke, for some swinging new twists.
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Lua Hadar and her Cosmopolitan Jazz Ensemble, TWIST, with their Indie Music Award-nominated DVD, “Like A Bridge”
San Francisco, January 10, 2014:
World jazz ensemble LUA HADAR with TWIST presents Like A Bridge: a 70-minute Live Studio Concert directed by Emmy-winner Lawrence Jordan, plus the bonus feature Building Bridges, on the origins of the band’s “cosmopolitan jazz” sound. Songs in seven languages weave the theme of world unity through this passionate, fun and eclectic performance by vocalist Lua Hadar and her band of top international musicians.
Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble Lua Hadar with Twist and their latest release, Like A Bridge.
LUA HADAR with TWIST: Like A Bridge (CD and DVD) was recorded live at the legendary Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. Lua’s cosmopolitan jazz sound draws from many nationalities and styles, connected by our common humanity, with the Bridge as its symbol.
Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s world jazz band TWIST has developed a reputation for twisting the style of international standards, performing original numbers and presenting songs in several languages. The new recording features songs in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Malagasy, the language of Madagascar.
“Why do I sing such an eclectic song list?” Hadar asks.“I want the audience to get the feeling that humanity shares common struggles and joys, that we are all united. As a group, these songs in languages of five continents are bridges from us to our audience. We want to awaken people to our common humanity through song, so that we can be to one another ‘like a bridge.’”
Instrumentation: vocals, piano, acoustic and electric bass, drums, global percussion (udu, cajon, dumbek, shakers), reeds, koto, cello, jazz accordion.
CD sales: Amazon, Spotify, iTunes and most digital download services.
Physical CDs at all live shows and at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LuaHadarwithTwist
The DVD is for sale at all live Lua Hadar with Twist shows.
Websites:
http://www.luahadar.com
http://www.likeabridge.net
CD & DVD Recorded LIVE at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California, USA, 2012
CD Released April 14, 2012, at Somethin’ Jazz Club, New York City
DVD premiere screening November 15, 2012, at The Balboa Theater, San Francisco, CA
DVD nominated for Independent Music Awards Long Form Video, 2013
DVD release September 30, 2013, at Yoshi’s Jazz Club, Oakland CA
℗© 2012 New Performance Group; All Rights Reserved
Lua Hadar – Multi-lingual Vocals
and Executive Producer
Jason Martineau – Piano, Music Director/Arranger
Dan Feiszli – Acoustic & Electric Bass
Celso Alberti – Drums
Ian Dogole – Udu, Dumbek, Shakers, Cajon
Larry De La Cruz – Alto, Tenor, Soprano Sax & Flute
With special guests
David Miotke on Jazz Accordion, Emil Miland on Cello, Fumiko Ozawa on Koto and Gideon Bendile with members of the Kalahari Experience Zulu Choir.
Co-Producers –Lua Hadar & Candace Forest
Video Director – Lawrence Jordan
Recording Engineer – Jesse Nichols
Live Sound Engineer – Craig Griffeath
Mixing Engineer – Dan Feiszli
Mastering Engineer – Ken Lee
Photography – Kingmond Young, Jack Schow
Graphic Design – Paige Smith
Video Editing – InVision Productions
Video
Technical Producer – Hamilton Everts
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2013
Media Contact: Paula Heitman
619 227-7652
paulaheitman@societycabaret.com
LUA HADAR brings C’EST MAGNIFIQUE to SAN FRANCISCO in NOVEMBER 2013
San Francisco – Society Cabaret located in the Rex Hotel continues to bring exceptional talent to San Francisco. Direct from her acclaimed sell-out performance at the Swan Bar in PARIS, FRANCE. A unique and original vocalist with a soaring range, Lua interprets lyrics in both French and English with a charming, swinging delivery, as well as passionate commitment and humor.
Lua sings her own brand of cosmopolitan jazz influenced by pop, funk, Latin and international cabaret. Instantly accessible and truly exotic, this Broadway-influenced performer has been molded by cultural exchange experiences in places as diverse as Bali, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, France and Italy.
Lua will be accompanied by her swinging cosmopolitan jazz band Twist. You’ll feel like you’re in a French Music Hall or a black and white movie as you enjoy stunning vocals in both French and English and wry stories of Hadar’s French connections. Jason Martineau on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass, Kelly Park on drums and featuring Dave Miotke on jazz accordion. The mission of her band is to create world harmony through music.
The Hotel Rex is located at 562 Sutter Street between Powell and Mason. The Hotel Rex is San Francisco’s answer to the Algonquin. Surrounded by 1920’s and 30’s glamour guests can linger in the Library Bar for cocktails and conversation. An extensive menu of American classics with a European influence will be available in the cabaret room as small plates, as well as, a Pre Fixe dinner. Society Cabaret patrons will be immersed in an ambiance of arts and culture.
C’est Magnifique: a love affair in any language, can be seen November 14, 15 and 16 @ 8pm.Doors open one hour prior to the performance. Tickets for C’EST MAGNIFIQUE may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com as well as SocietyCabaret.com.
Watch a Video:
Coming Attractions: C’est Magnifique debuts at Society Cabaret Nov 14, 15, 16
Images:
Upon request or at http://luahadar.com/downloads.html
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Yoshi’s presents Lua Hadar and her Cosmopolitan Jazz Ensemble, TWIST, with the Official Release of their Indie Music Award-nominated DVD, “Like A Bridge”
Live on stage at Yoshi’s Oakland, Monday, Sept. 30 at 8pm
Lua Hadar with Twist
San Francisco, August 22, 2013: Fresh from a success in Paris, Lua Hadar brings her cosmopolitan jazz ensemble Twist back to Yoshi’s Oakland to celebrate the Official Release of their DVD, Like A Bridge. A 70-minute Live Studio Concert directed by Emmy award-winner Lawrence Jordan, Like a Bridge was shot at the legendary Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, and was nominated in the Long Form Video Category by the Independent Music Awards. On September 30, clips from the DVD will be shown on Yoshi’s new screen as the band rolls out some fresh new tunes live on stage. Music Director Jason Martineau on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass, Celso Alberti on drums, Ian Dogole on Global Percussion, Larry De La Cruz on reeds, and Hadar on vocals in seven languages.
“Why do I sing such an eclectic song list?” Hadar asks.“I want the audience to get the feeling that humanity shares common struggles and joys, that we are all united. As a group, these songs in languages of five continents are bridges from us to our audience. We hope that we can each be to one another ‘like a bridge.’”
Lua Hadar with Twist, Official DVD Release of Like A Bridge, Monday, Sept. 30 at 8pm. Yoshi’s Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant, 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland CA 94607. Phone 510-238-9200. Tickets $14. http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/3515
Media representatives may obtain a review copy of Like a Bridge CD or DVD by contacting info@luahadar.com.
DVD Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQQmh7j-XRc
Hi res photo downloads: http://www.luahadar.com/downloads.html
Photo Credit for band collage (above): Jack Schow; Graphics: Martineau Arts
Websites: http://www.luahadar.com; http://www.likeabridge.net
Press Kit: http://bit.ly/LikeABridgeCDPressKit
Emmy-winning Director Lawrence Jordan: http://bit.ly/LawrenceJordanIMDB
CALENDAR: Yoshi’s presents Lua Hadar and cosmopolitan jazz ensemble TWIST, with the Official Release of their Indie Music Award-nominated DVD, Like A Bridge. Live on stage at Yoshi’s Oakland, Monday, Sept. 30 at 8pm. Yoshi’s Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant, 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland CA 94607. Phone 510-238-9200
Tickets $14.
TWEET: Yoshi’s Oakland presents Lua Hadar with Twist Official DVD Release Sept 30, 8pm, $14.http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/jazzclub/artist/show/3515
MORE INFO
ABOUT LUA HADAR with TWIST and Like A Bridge DVD:
Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble Lua Hadar with Twist performs international standards with a different ‘twist’ on style; also presenting original and rarely performed songs in several languages.
The DVD Like A Bridge includes a full length concert with the 13-piece ensemble directed by Emmy-winner Lawrence Jordan, plus the bonus feature Building Bridges, using the Bridge as a symbol for the interconnectedness each one of us can develop to foster world harmony.
Songs of hope, courage and our common humanity in seven languages (English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Malagasy) weave the theme of world unity throughout this passionate, fun and eclectic performance by vocalist Lua Hadar and her band of top international musicians. Music Director Jason Martineau on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass, Celso Alberti on drums, Ian Dogole on Global Percussion, Larry De La Cruz on reeds, Emil Miland on cello, Fumiko Ozawa on koto, David Miotke on jazz accordion, and featuring South African performer Gideon Bendile and members of his Kalahari Experience Zulu Choir.
ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS:
Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble LUA HADAR with TWIST joined more than 300 exceptional self-released and independent label artists, as well as former major label acts named by Music Resource Group as Nominees in The 12th Independent Music Awards. Representing the broad spectrum of today’s global independent music scene, the Nominees in over 80 Album, Song, Music Video and Design categories were culled from thousands of submissions from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Greenland and Europe. http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/Lua-Hadar-with-Twist
BIOS
LUA HADAR, Vocals, Executive Producer
A unique and original vocalist with a soaring range, Lua interprets an eclectic song list with a charming, swinging delivery, as well as passionate commitment and humor. She has been molded by cultural exchange experiences in places as diverse as Bali, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, France and Italy. Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s band TWIST has developed a reputation for twisting the style of international standards, performing original numbers and expressing our common humanity through songs in 7 different languages. Lua has charmed audiences at such noted jazz clubs as Yoshi’s and The Iridium to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center and the Swan Bar in Paris, where she just appeared in a June return engagement. http://www.luahadar.com
JASON MARTINEAU, Musical Direction, Arrangements, Piano
Dr. J is the cornerstone of TWIST, as music director, principal arranger, pianist and bandleader. He’s also an award-winning composer, instructor and author, holding graduate degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music. Jason works in many different idioms and styles, and since 2005 has recorded three albums with Lua Hadar, performing with her in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, and at the 10th International Festival of Dance and Music in Bangkok, Thailand. http://www.jasonmartineau.com
DAN FEISZLI, Bass, Mixing Engineer
Experienced on both upright and electric basses, in styles of music ranging from jazz and Latin to pop and rock, Dan Feiszli anchors TWIST with versatility and panache. As a recording engineer, he has mixed albums reaching as high as #4 on the U.S. Top 40 Jazz Radio Charts. Dan did the mixing for Like A Bridge at his studio in El Cerrito, California, employing both his fine musicianship and his excellent technical skills. http://www.studiorhythm.com
CELSO ALBERTI, Drums
Celso was born in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. The driving rhythms of his country’s music led him to develop an early interest in the drums and by the age of 17, he was performing regularly as a professional. In 1982 he expanded his musical horizons with a move to the U.S., where he has been living since, working with top performers both as a drummer and as an audio engineer. Celso’s dynamic drumming style blends traditional Brazilian music with World and Rock influences, providing TWIST with exciting flair and a rock solid base. http://www.celsoalberti.com
IAN DOGOLE, Global Percussion
As a major in Ethnomusicology at Brown University, Ian delved deeply into the indigenous music cultures of the planet, while maintaining his fascination with the evolution of Jazz and began to crystallize his vision of Global Fusion Music, blending the forms and instruments of Jazz with those of the non-Western world. Ian has released six audio recordings as a leader/producer and has recorded and performed widely with artists from Peru to the Sudan with his band Hemispheres. He brings an authentic world beat to TWIST with percussion including udu, cajon, shakers and dumbek. His new double CD, Outside the Box, was released in April 2013. http://www.iandogole.com
LARRY DE LA CRUZ, Reeds
Recording artist, composer, teacher and reed man extraordinaire, Larry’s energetic style and musical sensitivity provide TWIST with color and variety whether he solos on tenor, alto, soprano or flute. His dynamic soloing can range from Coltrane-esque runs on up-tempo tunes to soulful wails on slower ballads. http://www.larrydelacruz.com
CANDACE FOREST, Co-Producer-Pianist-Singer-Composer Candace has co-produced three CD’s, the Like A Bridge live recording project and numerous live concert and educational events with Lua Hadar. Candace’s own compositions range from works for solo, ensemble and orchestra to full-length dance and theatre pieces including Viva Concha! Rose of the Presidio and All In This Together, a symphonic program premiered by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Her song, Come Back To California, dedicated to French bassist Albin Suffys, received it’s U.S. premiere with Lua Hadar and Twist at Yoshi’s in March 2012 and appears in the Building Bridges Documentary. http://www.candaceforest.com
LAWRENCE JORDAN, Video Director
Emmy Award winner Lawrence Jordan is an internationally acclaimed producer/director who has filmed in every corner of the world with some of the music industry’s biggest stars. From Chile to China, South Africa to North Korea, the Grand Ole Opry to the Palais de Versailles, a rainforest in South America to an ice floe in the Artic Circle, his 3D film, television specials and live broadcast events have won Grammy, Emmy, Ace, Telly, and Clio Awards. His work has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, HBO, PBS, TBS, DISNEY, A&E, BBC, MTV, VH-1, and in theaters worldwide. He has worked with such artists as Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Izzard, Mariah Carey, Cristina Aguilera, Santana, Dave Matthews Band, Jay-Z, The Who, Phish, Rush, Elton John, Chicago, Pink Floyd, The Bee Gees, Vanessa Williams, John Fogerty, Lyle Lovett, Barry Manilow, BB King, Boz Scaggs, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Duran Duran, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Neil Diamond, K.D. Lang, Tony Bennett, Shania Twain, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bolton, James Taylor, and many more. Lawrence directed the long running music series Live By Request, numerous Farm Aid concerts, 3D concert films, and many live television specials. His upcoming project is a peace concert with the Dalai Lama, Dave Matthews, and an array of music stars. http://bit.ly/LawrenceJordanIMDB
GUEST ARTISTS ON THE DVD
DAVID MIOTKE, Jazz Accordion
Dave brings his unique jazz accordion sound to the band’s French songs, such as La Mer, with authentic color and skilled playing. He is a multi-talented singer, pianist, accordionist and composer, performing solo and with musical groups in styles as varied as jazz, cabaret, tango, Italian, strolling strings and classical. Dave holds music degrees with honors from Northwestern University and was a founding member and high lead singer/keyboardist with the well-known 60’s rock band, H. P. Lovecraft.
FUMIKO OZAWA, Koto
Educational collaborations with Japan have introduced Lua to koto player Fumiko Ozawa, who this past year made her koto orchestra debut at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater. Fumiko started studying koto in 2004, with Mrs. Masazuka Sato, Head Master of Seiha Music School of Japan and USA. Fumiko obtained her teaching credential for koto music (Jun-Shihan, associate level) from the Seiha Music School in Tokyo, 2009. She guests with TWIST on their interpretation of the Japanese 1963 pop classic Ue o muite aruko, honoring the dignity of the Japanese to “walk with their heads up’” after the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011.
EMIL MILAND, Cello
Emil made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2010 with Frederica von Stade in her farewell recital. In the same week he made his jazz debut with TWIST at New York’s Cornelia Street Café, and has contributed to Like A Bridge on the mystical Tom Jobim song, Imagina. A champion of new works for cello, he has given premieres of music written specifically for him by such composers as Ernst Bacon, David Carlson, Andrew Imbrie, Lou Harrison, Jake Heggie and Dwight Okamura. As a member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1988, he has collaborated with many famous singers in recital.
GIDEON BENDILE and KALAHARI EXPERIENCE, Zulu Choir
Patience James, Ron van Leeuwarde, Moeketse Gibe
Gideon Bendile’s group Kalahari Experience is a South African a cappella ensemble featuring members of the BAMMY award winning Zulu Spear Band and other talented artists. They perform African and world music influenced by jazz, Soweto pop, and a wide range of traditional African styles, carrying the message of forgiveness, freedom, and peace. Gideon has performed with legendary artists including Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dave Brubeck, Redd Foxx and the Neville Brothers. Kalahari Experience joins with TWIST in the Zulu chorus of the French pop song about immigration rights, Né Quelque Part (Born Somewhere.) Press Kit
THE SONGS ON THE DVD
The songs in the “Like a Bridge” Live Studio Concert DVD begin with its theme, Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, and continue with:
Ojalá Que Llueva Café (Spanish)
“If only it would rain coffee.” Lua sings this exuberant anthem of the 99% from the Dominican Republic, backed up by the driving force of Celso Alberti on the drum set, Ian Dogole on cajon, with Larry De La Cruz wailing on tenor sax.
Beyond the Sea/La Mer (French)
Charles Trenet’s “La Mer” was Americanized and popularized by Bobby Darin. In contrast, Lua’s rendition is steeped in French nostalgia, quoting the French folk song about dancing on a bridge, “Sur le Pont D’Avignon” (On the Bridge of Avignon.)
Raha Mbola Misy (Malagasy)
A folk classic from the island of Madagascar, the former French colony off the east coast of Africa. Sung by Lua in the original Malagasy language and twisted as a samba, the lyrics ask, encouragingly, “If there is still a smile and time to share happiness, why waste your winter nights crying, hungry for the light?” Larry De La Cruz solos on flute.
San Francisco (French)
The French pop tribute to the now famous Blue House has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, after songwriter Maxine Le Forestier introduced millions to the culture of San Francisco in 1971
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Child of Man (English/Hebrew)
A joyous celebration of life and renewal, this world beat anthem is enhanced by global percussionist Ian Dogole on the udu. The last line is in Hebrew, “I wish I were a flower or a tree.”
Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko (Japanese)
“Ue o Muite Aruko” made its debut on the world pop stage in 1963, known then as “Sukiyaki.” A song of dignity and hope, it was notably reprised after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, encouraging the devastated populace to “walk with its head up.” Music Director Jason Martineau collaborated with koto player Fumiko Ozawa to create a new east-west arrangement of the pop classic, sung by Lua in Japanese.
Imagina (Portuguese)
A mystical waltz in Portuguese by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Chico Buarque, its wide vocal range is usually covered with a male-female duet. Lua’s duet is with renowned cellist Emil Miland, evoking the oneness of man and woman in the cosmos.
Stregata dall’Amor/Ravel’s Bolero (Italian)
Martineau’s arrangement pairs the love theme from Fellini’s “La Strada” and its palpitating Italian lyrics with the world famous Ravel’s “Bolero.” Hadar sings with passionate intensity: “You say you do not know how to love, you say you cannot love; but you are bewitched by love!”
Isfahan (Instrumental)
The Far East Suite (1966) was inspired by a world tour undertaken by cultural ambassador Duke Ellington and his orchestra in 1963.The Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran, is regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Twist’s arrangement of Strayhorn’s “Isfahan” features Jason Martineau on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass, Larry De La Cruz on alto and Celso Alberti on drums.
In addition, the DVD features three numbers that do not appear on the
Like A Bridge CD:
The Golden Gate Bridge (English)
San Francisco Bay Area comedic songwriter Rita Abrams penned a few extra lyrics for the 75th anniversary of one of the world’s most iconic bridges. Lua enjoys the romp as she takes on the persona of the Bridge who’s been through it all.
Né Quelque Part (French, Zulu)
Maxime Le Forestier’s pop song, Born Somewhere, advocates for immigration rights in both French and in Zulu. The compelling, upbeat performance features Lua’s French vocal, backed by South African performer Gideon Bendile, with members of his Kalahari Experience Zulu Choir.
Scriabin Etude in D# Minor, Opus 8, No.12 (instrumental)
Mystic, visionary, virtuoso, and composer, Alexander Scriabin dedicated his life to creating musical works to open the portals of the spiritual world. Music Director Jason Martineau takes the lead in a unique virtuoso jazz adaptation of the 1894 piano work, with fiery performances by bassist Dan Feiszli and drummer Celso Alberti.
WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING
An effervescent swing, a dynamite range with passionate phrasing, Hadar is nothing if not the consummate entertainer…incredibly intriguing hybrid … delightful world flavor … first call band of international talent with an ability to reinvent tunes without disrespecting the originals … A breath of fresh air at a time the world in general and music specifically are in dire need. A true winner! -– Brent Black, Critical Jazz
There is a strong sense of timeliness throughout the album, thanks to the various languages it feels like one is drifting around the world… quite something to behold. – John M. Peters, The Borderland, UK
… a wave of sonic bliss… – Jeffrey Siegel, Straight No Chaser Jazz Show
Singing in seven different languages, Lua Hadar’s rich voice and strong, commanding presence and overall musicality transcend language barriers… pure pleasure in listening to her magnetic power… compelling confident vocals… intriguing instrumental work… great variety and power… certainly beautiful and often hypnotic. – Rob Lester, Talkin’ Broadway – Sound Advice
ABOUT YOSHI’S JAZZ CLUB
Yoshi’s Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant is one of the world’s most respected jazz venues and has won a reputation as the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier location for great food and the best jazz. Yoshi’s has hosted hundreds of legendary jazz greats such as Betty Carter, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick Jr. and Oscar Peterson, who said, “Yoshi’s Oakland is the greatest jazz club in the world.”
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FULL ENGLISH LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS BELOW FRENCH
Les projets de concerts de Lua Hadar à Paris et dans le célèbre club de jazz Yoshi’s. Nominée pour un Prix de Musique Indie
Pour diffusion immédiate: 22 mai 2013
San Francisco, Californie, États-Unis: Peu après la nomination de son groupe pour un Prix Indie Music, la chanteuse Lua Hadar retourne au Swan Bar à Paris pour y présenter son nouveau spectacle, C’est Magnifique. Le club de musique de style des années 30, accueille à nouveau l’artiste de San Francisco Lua Hadar après le succès qu’elle a rencontré lors de son passage en 2009, avec son accompagniste de longue date Sheldon Forrest. Cette fois-ci, le jeune et talentueux bassiste Albin Suffys, de Lille, France, se joindra à eux. Ils joueront des morceaux de Cole Porter, Charles Trenet et quelques chansons d’amour des quatre coins du monde que Hadar sort de sa tour de Babel pour une vraie aventure amoureuse cosmopolite.
Lua Hadar, voix
C’est Magnifique: une histoire d’amour en toutes langues. Une nuit uniquement – samedi 29 juin 2013 à 19 heures 30. 5 euros. Bar et petits plats. Swan Bar, 165, Boulevard du Montparnasse 75006 Paris. Tél.: 01 44 27 05 84. Métros : Raspail – Vavin. RER : Port Royal. http://www.swanbar.fr
La chanteuse Lua Hadar n’est pas étrangère à la Ville-lumière, ni à la France.
Suite à sa prestation en 2009 au Swan Bar – bar de style Newyorkais – elle a participé à un concert dans le cadre d’un échange culturel en 2010, à Lille, avec Musiconoclast’ Orchestra. Ce concert, évènement principal de l’échange culturel, était produit et dirigé par le bassiste français Albin Suffys. Lua Hadar a également donné une master class en Interprétation vocale aux élèves de jazz de l’École municipale de musique et de danse de Lomme. Le concert parisien à venir est la cerise sur le gâteau après la récente nomination à un prix de musique indépendante pour le DVD de « jazz cosmopolitain », Lua Hadar with Twist: Like A Bridge, qu’ils célèbreront par un retour en septembre au fameux Yoshi’s Jazz Club à Oakland, Californie.
LES ARTISTES:
LUA HADAR, voix
Chanteuse originale, au registre très vaste, Lua interprète avec swing, charme et humour une liste de chansons éclectiques, influencée par des échanges culturels dans des pays aussi variés que Bali, la Russie, la Suisse, le Japon, la Thaïlande, la France et l’Italie. Depuis sa création en 2007, Le groupe de Hadar, TWIST est reconnu pour son interprétation originale des standards internationaux, qui expriment notre humanité commune à travers des chansons dans 7 langues différentes. Lua a charmé le public dans des clubs de jazz réputés, tels que Yoshi’s, The Iridium à New York, le Thailand Cultural Center à Bangkok et le Swan Bar à Paris. www.luahadar.com
SHELDON FORREST, piano
Sheldon Forrest a commencé le piano à l’âge de 3 ans et il ne s’est jamais arrêté.
Depuis 20 ans, il joue comme pianiste dans les piano-bars (jazz, blues, Latin, R&B, gospel, Broadway, arias/mélodies, pop, rock, chanson napolitaine et chanson française) de San Francisco, New-York et Paris. Il est organisateur et co-organisateur de soirées micro ouvert, directeur musical de cabaret (création de près de 40 spectacles originaux à New York en l’espace de 10 ans) et de comédies musicales (avec des acteurs professionnels, des étudiants, des amateurs, adultes et enfants), mixeur et collaborateur sur des CD, pianiste dans les restaurants, musicien dans diverses formations et genres, professeur de piano et de chant, accompagniste de récital, chargé de travaux dirigés (notamment à l’American Academy of Dramatic Arts et l’American Musical and Dramatic Academy), professeur de musique, chef de chœur en lycée, pianiste de répétition, et pianiste d’auditions et de concerts. Sur le plan international, il a participé à un festival de chansons comiques avec le trio vocal Lua Hadar et The Kitchenettes (Lombardie, Italie 2003) et a joué dans le trio de jazz au Méridien Président (Dakar, Sénégal 2009). Actuellement, Sheldon travaille à l’American Children’s Theater de Paris, l’école Montessori bilingue de l’Oise à Chantilly et pour Paris Voices, le chœur gospel du ministère de l’intérieur. www.sheldonforrest.com
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ALBIN SUFFYS, guitarre basse
Albin Suffys, un musicien singulier qui explore les possibilités de la basse électrique pour en faire le point de rencontre de toutes sortes de langages musicaux. Influencé par le jazz comme par la musique contemporaine, artiste complet et compositeur novateur, il invente et développe ses propres méthodes de travail sur son instrument.
Après des études de musicologie, au cours desquelles il découvre la musique concrète, il a étudié en classe de jazz au conservatoire de Tourcoing et a été l’élève du contrebassiste Christophe Hache. Il poursuit son étude de la basse électrique à l’étranger, auprès de bassistes tels que Jeff Berlin (USA), Steve Lawson (Royaume Uni) ou encore Adam Nitti (Italie).
Lors d’un séjour à San Francisco il se lie d’amitié avec le grand bassiste américain Michael Manring avec qui il perfectionne son jeu. C’est aussi l’occasion pour lui de démarrer une collaboration avec la chanteuse de jazz Lua Hadar et la compositrice Candace Forest en tant que musicien, arrangeur et compositeur.
De retour en France et depuis 2010, il est enseignant à l’EF2M (Ecole de Formation aux Métiers de la Musique) à Tourcoing, il y enseigne notamment, en plus de la basse, l’arrangement, l’écriture, la section orchestrale, l’improvisation.
Albin Suffys se produit généralement en solo ou au sein de ses nombreuses formations : il a créé notamment le duo “Zone de Basses Fréquences”, le quartet world-jazz “Atypia”, il est membre du trio jazz fusion “Idiorythmia” et fonde en 2010 l’orchestre jazz contemporain “Musiconoclast’ Orchestra” où il dirige un ensemble de douze musiciens.
http://www.myspace.com/albinsuffys
Le SWAN BAR de PARIS:
Le Swan Bar est un haut lieu du paysage musical parisien qui réunit les styles, les générations et les nationalités dans une atmosphère de bar chic du Manhattan des années 30. Créé par le New Yorkais Lionel Bloom, qui accueille avec aisance aussi bien en anglais qu’en français, le Swan maintient à la fois la tradition des bars à cocktails américains et des salons parisiens. De nombreux musiciens de jazz ont enchanté ce lieu qui reçoit également les chanteurs de la scène lyrique, de la chanson, des musiques du monde, du blues, et bien d’autres encore. http://www.swanbar.fr
LE PRIX DE LA MUSIQUE INDÉPENDANTE:
L’ensemble de jazz cosmopolite LUA HADAR with TWIST de San Francisco, Californie se retrouve en compétition avec plus de 300 artistes exceptionnels auto-publiés et de maisons de disques indépendantes, ainsi que des anciens des grands labels, tous nominés par le Music Resource Group (MRG) pour le 12ème Independent Music Awards (The IMAs), un prix prestigieux qui récompense les groupes indépendants et leurs publics. Une célébration de la démocratie de la créativité et du mérite du talent, le Independent Music Awards honore les artistes exceptionnels indépendants traditionnellement ignorés par les médias grand public et les circuits de distribution.
Lua Hadar with Twist est nommée parmi une sélection d’artistes établis et d’artistes qui montent tels que Omar Sosa, Ben Kweller, Band Of Skulls, Bright Eyes, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Killer Mike, Paper Lions, Sarah Cheng-De Winne et The Congregation, sélectionnés parmi les nombreux artistes qui ont soumis leurs musiques publiées pendant la période d’éligibilité pour les 12ème IMA.
Représentant une large palette de la scène musicale indépendante mondiale, les Nommés
sont sélectionnés, dans 80 catégories dont album, chanson, vidéo clip et art, parmi des milliers de candidatures d’Amérique du Nord, d’Amérique latine, Asie, Afrique, Australie, Groenland et Europe.
Les résultats seront annoncés en mai 2013. http://www.independentmusicawards.com
La page de Twist – Voter pour eux dans le Vox Pop: http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/Lua-Hadar-with-Twist
LUA HADAR with TWIST:
Lua Hadar with Twist présente des standards internationaux avec un « zeste » dans le style et interprètent dans plusieurs langues des chansons originales et rarement jouées. Anglais, français, italien, espagnol, portugais, japonais et malgache sont présents dans ce nouvel album, où le Pont est une métaphore pour les relations que nous pouvons faire les uns avec les autres pour favoriser l’unité et l’harmonie entre les hommes. Le CD Like A Bridge, enregistré en même temps que le DVD, a été très bien accueilli par les critiques et passe sur plus de 100 stations de radio, aux Etats-Unis, au Canada, aux Pays-Bas, en Allemagne, en Angleterre et au Brésil. Twist joue au célèbre Jazz Club de Yoshi à Oakland le 30 septembre 2013 à 20:00. http://likeabridge.net
YOSHI’S JAZZ CLUB:
Yoshi’s Jazz Club et Restaurant Japonais est un des clubs de jazz les plus respectés au monde et a gagné la réputation du meilleur lieu de la Baie de San Francisco pour l’excellence de sa gastronomie et de son jazz. Yoshi’s a accueilli des centaines de célébrités du jazz tels que Betty Carter, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick Jr. — et Oscar Peterson, qui a dit, « le Yoshi’s de Oakland est le meilleur club de jazz du monde ». Lua Hadar y sera avec son groupe Twist le 30 septembre 2013 à 20 heures. www.yoshis.com
REDACTEURS EN CHEF:
Lua Hadar retourne au Swan Bar à Paris pour y présenter en avant-première son prochain spectacle:
C’est Ma
gnifique: une histoire d’amour en toutes langues
Avec Sheldon Forrest au piano et Albin Suffys à la basse
Une soirée uniquement
Samedi 29 juin 2013 à 19 heures 30
Entrée: 5 Euros. Bar et petits plats.
Swan Bar
165, Blvd du Montparnasse,
75006 Paris
http://www.swanbar.fr
Tél.: 01 44 27 05 84
Métros : Raspail – Vavin
RER : Port Royal
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For interviews & inquiries please contact
Lua Hadar
info@luahadar.com
Tel 415-377-4858
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2013
For interviews & inquiries please contact:
Lua Hadar
info@luahadar.com
Tel 415-377-4858
Indie Music Award Nominee Lua Hadar plans Shows in Paris and at renowned Yoshi’s Jazz Club
San Francisco, California, USA: Following her band’s nomination for an Independent Music Award, vocalist Lua Hadar returns to the Swan Bar in Paris to preview her new show, C’est Magnifique. The 30’s style Montparnasse music club welcomes back San Francisco-based Hadar after her successful 2009 engagement with long-time colleague, pianist Sheldon Forrest. Joining Forrest and Hadar this time is talented young bass guitarist Albin Suffys, of Lille, France. The jazz offerings will feature Cole Porter, Charles Trenet, and a dash of love songs from around the world, as Hadar slips in and out of several different languages for a truly cosmopolitan love affair. C’est Magnifique: A Love Affair in Any Language. One Night Only – Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 7:30pm. 5 Euros cover; full bar and small plates available. Swan Bar, 165, Boulevard du Montparnasse 75006 Paris. Tél.: 01 44 27 05 84. Métros : Raspail – Vavin. RER : Port Royal. http://www.swanbar.fr
Vocalist Lua Hadar is no stranger to the City of Lights or to France. Her 2009 appearance at the New York-style Swan Bar lead to a 2010 cultural exchange concert in Lille with the Musiconoclast’ Orchestra, produced and music directed by French bassist Albin Suffys. The concert was the centerpiece of a cultural exchange which also featured Hadar teaching a master class in vocal performance to jazz students at the l’Ecole Municipale de Musique et de Danse de Lomme. The upcoming Paris performance comes on the heels of her band’s nomination for an Independent Music Award for their “cosmopolitan jazz” DVD, Lua Hadar with Twist: Like A Bridge, which they will celebrate with a September return to the renowned Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland, California.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS:
LUA HADAR, vocals
A unique and original vocalist with a soaring range, Lua interprets an eclectic song list with a charming, swinging delivery, as well as passionate commitment and humor. She has been molded by cultural exchange experiences in places as diverse as Bali, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, France and Italy. Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s band TWIST has developed a reputation for twisting the style of international standards, performing original numbers and expressing our common humanity through songs in 7 different languages. Lua has performed her brand of “cosmopolitan jazz” at such noted jazz clubs as Yoshi’s and The Iridium to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center and the Swan Bar in Paris. www.luahadar.com
SHELDON FORREST, piano
Sheldon Forrest started on the piano at the age of 3 and has never stopped. Over the last 20 years in San Francisco, New York, and Paris, he has acted as a piano-bar pianist (playing jazz, blues, Latin, R&B, gospel, Broadway, arias/art songs, pop, rock, Neapolitan songs and chanson Française); a host and co-host for open-mic jams; a musical director for cabaret (co-created nearly 40 original shows in New York City over the course of one decade) and musical theater (professional, college, community theater and children’s theater); an arranger and collaborator on CD projects; a solo background player in restaurants; an ensemble player in several different formations and genres; a piano teacher; vocal coach; recital accompanist; teaching assistant (notably at American Academy of Dramatic Arts and American Musical and Dramatic Academy); music appreciation teacher; high-school choir director; and rehearsal, audition and orchestra pianist. International engagements include a comic song festival performance with vocal trio Lua Hadar and The Kitchenettes (Lombardy, Italy 2003) and in jazz trio at the Meriden President (Dakar, Senegal 2009). Currently Sheldon works for American Children’s Theater of Paris, the Bilingual Montessori School de l’Oise in Chantilly, and Paris Voices, the gospel choir of the French Ministry of the Interior. www.sheldonforrest.com.
ALBIN SUFFYS, bass guitar
Albin Suffys is a unique musician who explores the possibilities of the bass guitar for a meeting point with many musical languages. Influenced by jazz as well as contemporary music, he is a complete artist and innovator who invents his own methods on his instrument.
As a Conservatory student of Christophe Hache at Tourcoing, Albin studied jazz bass and went on to broaden his electric bass studies in Italy with Adam Nitti, in the UK with Steve Lawson and in the USA with Jeff Berlin and also with the great San Francisco Bay Area bassist Michael Manring. In San Francisco, Suffys met composer-arranger-producer Candace Forrest and jazz vocalist Lua Hadar, inviting them to Lille for a cultural exchange in 2010.
Albin Suffys currently teaches bass, arranging, writing, and improvization at the Ecole de Formation aux Métiers de la Musique in Tourcoing, France. He performs solo or at the center of several musical groups: Bass Duo Zone de Basses Fréquences, World Jazz Quartet Atypia, Jazz Fusion Trio Idiorythmia, and his 12-person ensemble for contemporary jazz, the Musiconoclast’ Orchestra. http://www.myspace.com/albinsuffys
ABOUT THE SWAN BAR IN PARIS:
The Swan Bar holds a top position in the Parisian musical scene, uniting styles, generations and nationalities in the atmosphere of a chic Manhattan 30’s bar. Created by New Yorker Lionel Bloom, who greets guests as easily in French as in English, the Swan maintains both the traditions of the American cocktail bar and the French salon. Numerous jazz musicians have brought their gifts to the stage, which also presents World Music, Blues and singers of Opera and Chanson. http://www.swanbar.fr
ABOUT THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS:
Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble LUA HADAR with TWIST of San Francisco, California joins more than 300 exceptional self-released and independent label artists, as well as former major label acts named by Music Resource Group (MRG) as Nominees in The 12th Independent Music Awards (The IMAs), the influential awards program for independent bands and fans. Celebrating the democracy of creativity and meritocracy of talent, The Independent Music Awards honor exceptional independent artists traditionally ignored by mainstream media and big box retailers.
Lua Hadar with Twist is nominated among an eclectic mix of established artists and artists on the rise including Omar Sosa, Ben Kweller, Band Of Skulls, Bright Eyes, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Killer Mike, Paper Lions, Sarah Cheng-De Winne and The Congregation, among many other deserving artists whose recordings were released during the 12th IMA program eligibility period.
Representing the broad spectrum of today’s global independent music scene, the Nominees in over 80 Album, Song, Music Video and Design categories were culled from thousands of submissions from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Greenland and Europe.
The results will be announced this month, May 2013. http://www.independentmusicawards.com
See Twist’s page and vote for them in the Vox Pop at http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/Lua-Hadar-with-Twist
ABOUT LUA HADAR with TWIST and Like A Bridge:
Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble Lua Hadar with Twist performs international standards with a different ‘twist’ on style; presenting also original and rarely performed songs in several languages. English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Malagasy (the language of Madagascar) are represented in their new CD and DVD, Like A Bridge, using the Bridge as a symbol for the connections that people can make to each other to foster world harmony. The DVD has been nominated by the Independent Music Awards in the Long Form Video category, for the ensemble’s 70-minute Live Studio Concert, recorded at the legendary Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. The CD, recorded in the same sessions with the DVD, is receiving critical acclaim and airplay on over 100 radio stations, across the USA and in Canada, The Netherlands, Germany, England and Brazil. Twist can be seen next in the San Francisco Bay Area at the famed Yoshi’s Jazz Club in Oakland on Sept. 30, 2013 at 8pm. www.likeabridge.net
ABOUT YOSHI’S JAZZ CLUB:
Yoshi’s Jazz Club and Japanese Restaurant is one of the world’s most respected jazz venues and has won a reputation as the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier location for great food and the best jazz. Yoshi’s has hosted hundreds of legendary jazz greats such as Betty Carter, Max Roach, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Diana Krall, Branford Marsalis, McCoy Tyner, Harry Connick Jr. — and Oscar Peterson, who said, “Yoshi’s Oakland is the greatest jazz club in the world.” www.yoshis.com
CALENDAR EDITORS:
Lua Hadar returns to the Swan Bar in Paris with the preview of her new show, for one night only –
C’est Magnifique: a love affair in any language
With Sheldon Forrest on piano and Albin Suffys on bass
Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 7:30pm
5 Euros cover; full bar and small plates available
Swan Bar, 165, Blvd du Montparnasse,
75006 Paris
http://www.swanbar.fr
Tél.: 01 44 27 05 84
Métros : Raspail – Vavin
RER : Port Royal
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2013
For interviews & inquiries please contact
Lua Hadar
info@luahadar.com
Tel 415-377-4858
Lua Hadar with Twist nominated for 12th Independent Music Awards
More Than 300 Self-Released & Independent Label Artists Nominated from thousands of submissions worldwide
For Immediate Release
San Francisco, April 10, 2013 – Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble LUA HADAR with TWIST of San Francisco, California joins more than 300 exceptional self-released and independent label artists, as well as former major label acts named by Music Resource Group (MRG) as Nominees in The 12th Independent Music Awards (The IMAs), the influential awards program for independent bands and fans.
Like A Bridge DVD has been nominated in the Long Form Video category.
Celebrating the democracy of creativity and meritocracy of talent, The Independent Music Awards honor exceptional independent artists traditionally ignored by mainstream media and big box retailers.
Lua Hadar with Twist is nominated among an eclectic mix of established artists and artists on the rise including Omar Sosa, Ben Kweller, Band Of Skulls, Bright Eyes, Langhorne Slim & The Law, Killer Mike, Paper Lions, Sarah Cheng-De Winne and The Congregation, among many other deserving artists whose recordings were released during the 12th IMA program eligibility period.
Representing the broad spectrum of today’s global independent music scene, the Nominees in over 80 Album, Song, Music Video and Design categories were culled from thousands of submissions from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, Greenland and Europe.
Winners will be determined by a panel of influential artist and industry judges including Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan, Ziggy Marley, Suzanne Vega, Meshell Ndegeocello, Del McCoury, Pete Wentz, Shelby Lynne, G. Love, Jim Lauderdale, McCoy Tyner, Brandi Carlile, John Medeski & Chris Wood (Medeski, Martin & Wood), Judy Collins, Raul Midon, Andrea Marcovicci, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Bernie Worrell, Jeremy Taggart, Toots Hibbert, Dennis Diken, Joel Madden, Arturo Sandoval, Jonatha Brooke, Alan Light (Live From The Artists Den), Terry McBride (Nettwerk Music Group), Kevin Lyman (Vans Warped Tour), Jason Olaine (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Anthony DeCurtis (Rolling Stone), Dan Storper (Putumayo World Music, Bob Ludwig (Gateway Mastering), Bruce Iglauer (Alligator Records) and others.
The results will be announced in May, 2013.
In addition to industry-determined Winners, music fans from around the world have until Friday, July 19, 2013 to cast their votes at The IMA Vox Pop Jukebox (http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/12th) to determine the fan-selected program winners.
Candace Forest, Lua Hadar, Larry De La Cruz, Fumiko Ozawa, Ian Dogole, Dan Feiszli, Celso Alberti, Emil Miland, Jason Martineau
Hadar says, “We’re thrilled and honored at this nomination always grateful for the support of our fans, friends and family. The judges will choose in May but The People have a voice, too, and a popular vote. If fans would like to show their support they can do so by voting for us in the Long Form Video category at IMA Vox Pop Jukebox at this special link: http://www.independentmusicawards.com/imanominee/12th/Video/Long-Form.”
The Independent Music Award Winners will be promoted to nearly 1 billion music fans worldwide. Details and complete list of Nominees and Judges available at TheIndependentMusicAwards.com
Contact: Jude Folkman
Music Resource Group
jude@IndependentMusicAwards.com
973-767-1811
About Lua Hadar with Twist
Cosmopolitan jazz ensemble Lua Hadar with Twist performs international standards with a different ‘twist’ on style; presenting also original and rarely performed songs in several languages. English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Malagasy (the language of Madagascar) are represented in theIr new CD and DVD, Like A Bridge, using the bridge as a symbol for the connections that people can make to each other to foster world harmony. The DVD has been nominated by the Independent Music Awards in the Long Form Video category, for the ensemble’s 70-minute Live Studio Concert, recorded at the legendary Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, CA. The CD, recorded in the same sessions with the DVD, is receiving critical acclaim and airplay on over 100 radio stations, across the USA and in Canada, The Netherlands, Germany, England and Brazil. www.likeabridge.net
BIOS
LUA HADAR, Vocals, Executive Producer
A unique and original vocalist with a soaring range, Lua interprets an eclectic song list with a charming, swinging delivery, as well as passionate commitment and humor. She has been molded by cultural exchange experiences in places as diverse as Bali, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Thailand, France and Italy. Since its inception in 2007, Hadar’s band TWIST has developed a reputation for twisting the style of international standards, performing original numbers and expressing our common humanity through songs in 7 different languages. Lua has charmed audiences at such noted jazz clubs as Yoshi’s and The Iridium to Bangkok’s Thailand Cultural Center and the Swan Bar in Paris. www.luahadar.com
LAWRENCE JORDAN, Director
Emmy Award winner Lawrence Jordan is an internationally acclaimed producer/director who has filmed in every corner of the world with some of the music industry’s biggest stars. From Chile to China, South Africa to North Korea, the Grand Ole Opry to the Palais de Versailles, a rainforest in South America to an ice floe in the Artic Circle, his 3D film, television specials and live broadcast events have won Grammy, Emmy, Ace, Telly, and Clio Awards. His work has appeared on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, HBO, PBS, TBS, DISNEY, A&E, BBC, MTV, VH-1, and in theaters worldwide. He has worked with such artists as Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Izzard, Mariah Carey, Cristina Aguilera, Santana, Dave Matthews Band, Jay-Z, The Who, Phish, Rush, Elton John, Chicago, Pink Floyd, The Bee Gees, Vanessa Williams, John Fogerty, Lyle Lovett, Barry Manilow, BB King, Boz Scaggs, Billy Joel, John Mellencamp, Duran Duran, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, Neil Diamond, K.D. Lang, Tony Bennett, Shania Twain, Johnny Mathis, Michael Bolton, James Taylor, and many more. Lawrence directed the long running music series Live By Request, numerous Farm Aid concerts, 3D concert films, and many live television specials. His upcoming project is a peace concert with the Dalai Lama, Dave Matthews, and an array of music stars. http://bit.ly/LawrenceJordanIMDB
JASON MARTINEAU, Musical Direction, Arrangements, Piano
Dr. J is the cornerstone of TWIST, as music director, principal arranger, pianist and bandleader. He’s also an award-winning composer, instructor and author, holding graduate degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music. Jason works in many different idioms and styles, and since 2005 has recorded three albums with Lua Hadar, performing with her in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, and at the 10th International Festival of Dance and Music in Bangkok, Thailand. www.jasonmartineau.com
DAN FEISZLI, Bass
Experienced on both upright and electric basses, in styles of music ranging from jazz and Latin to pop and rock, Dan Feiszli anchors TWIST with versatility and panache. As a recording engineer, he has mixed albums reaching as high as #4 on the U.S. Top 40 Jazz Radio Charts. Dan did the mixing for Like A Bridge at his studio in El Cerrito, California, employing both his fine musicianship and his excellent technical skills. www.studiorhythm.com
CELSO ALBERTI, Drums
Celso was born in Curitiba, Southern Brazil. The driving rhythms of his country’s music led him to develop an early interest in the drums and by the age of 17, he was performing regularly as a professional. In 1982 he expanded his musical horizons with a move to the U.S., where he has been living since, working with top performers both as a drummer and as an audio engineer. Celso’s dynamic drumming style blends traditional Brazilian music with World and Rock influences, providing TWIST with exciting flair and a rock solid base. www.celsoalberti.com
IAN DOGOLE, Global Percussion
As a major in Ethnomusicology at Brown University, Ian delved deeply into the indigenous music cultures of the planet, while maintaining his fascination with the evolution of Jazz and began to crystallize his vision of Global Fusion Music, blending the forms and instruments of Jazz with those of the non-Western world. Ian has released six audio recordings as a leader/producer and has recorded and performed widely with artists from Peru to the Sudan with his band Hemispheres. He brings an authentic world beat to TWIST with percussion including udu, cajon, shakers and dumbek. www.iandogole.com
LARRY DE LA CRUZ, Reeds
Recording artist, composer, teacher and reed man extraordinaire, Larry’s energetic style and musical sensitivity provide TWIST with color and variety whether he solos on tenor, alto, soprano or flute. His dynamic soloing can range from Coltrane-esque runs on up-tempo tunes to soulful wails on slower ballads. www.larrydelacruz.com
GUEST ARTISTS
DAVID MIOTKE, Jazz Accordion
Dave brings his unique jazz accordion sound to the band’s French songs, such as La Mer, with authentic color and skilled playing. He is a multi-talented singer, pianist, accordionist and composer, performing solo and with musical groups in styles as varied as jazz, cabaret, tango, Italian, strolling strings and classical. Dave holds music degrees with honors from Northwestern University and was a founding member and high lead singer/keyboardist with the well-known 60’s rock band, H. P. Lovecraft.
FUMIKO OZAWA, Koto
Educational collaborations with Japan have introduced Lua to koto player Fumiko Ozawa, who this past year made her koto orchestra debut at San Francisco’s Herbst Theater. Fumiko started studying koto in 2004, with Mrs. Masazuka Sato, Head Master of Seiha Music School of Japan and USA. Fumiko obtained her teaching credential for koto music (Jun-Shihan, associate level) from the Seiha Music School in Tokyo, 2009. She guests with TWIST on their interpretation of the Japanese 1963 pop classic Ue o muite aruko, honoring the dignity of the Japanese to “walk with their heads up’” after the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011.
EMIL MILAND, Cello
Emil made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2010 with Frederica von Stade in her farewell recital. In the same week he made his jazz debut with TWIST at New York’s Cornelia Street Café, and has contributed to Like A Bridge on the mystical Tom Jobim song, Imagina. A champion of new works for cello, he has given premieres of music written specifically for him by such composers as Ernst Bacon, David Carlson, Andrew Imbrie, Lou Harrison, Jake Heggie and Dwight Okamura. As a member of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra since 1988, he has collaborated with many famous singers in recital.
GIDEON BENDILE and KALAHARI EXPERIENCE, Zulu Choir
Patience James, Ron van Leeuwarde, Moeketse Gibe
Gideon Bendile’s group Kalahari Experience is a South African a cappella ensemble featuring members of the BAMMY award winning Zulu Spear Band and other talented artists. They perform African and world music influenced by jazz, Soweto pop, and a wide range of traditional African styles, carrying the message of forgiveness, freedom, and peace. Gideon has performed with legendary artists including Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dave Brubeck, Redd Foxx and the Neville Brothers. Kalahari Experience joins with TWIST in the Zulu chorus of the French pop song about immigration rights, Né Quelque Part (Born Somewhere.)
CANDACE FOREST, Pianist-Singer-Composer-Sound Producer
Candace has co-produced three CD’s, the Like A Bridge live recording project and numerous live concert and educational events with Lua Hadar. Candace’s own compositions range from works for solo, ensemble and orchestra to full-length dance and theatre pieces including Viva Concha! Rose of the Presidio and All In This Together, a symphonic program premiered by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Her song, Come Back To California, dedicated to French bassist Albin Suffys, received it’s U.S. premiere with Lua Hadar and Twist at Yoshi’s in March 2012 and appears in the Building Bridges Documentary. www.candaceforest.com
THE SONGS
The songs in the “Like a Bridge” Live Studio Concert DVD begin with its theme, Paul Simon’s Bridge Over Troubled Water, and continue with:
Ojalá Que Llueva Café (Spanish)
“If only it would rain coffee.” Lua sings this exuberant anthem of the 99% from the Dominican Republic, backed up by the driving force of Celso Alberti on the drum set, Ian Dogole on cajon, with Larry De La Cruz wailing on tenor sax.
Beyond the Sea/La Mer (French)
Charles Trenet’s “La Mer” was Americanized and popularized by Bobby Darin. In contrast, Lua’s rendition is steeped in French nostalgia, quoting the French folk song about dancing on a bridge, “Sur le Pont D’Avignon” (On the Bridge of Avignon.)
Raha Mbola Misy (Malagasy)
A folk classic from the island of Madagascar, the former French colony off the east coast of Africa. Sung by Lua in the original Malagasy language and twisted as a samba, the lyrics ask, encouragingly, “If there is still a smile and time to share happiness, why waste your winter nights crying, hungry for the light?” Larry De La Cruz solos on flute.
San Francisco (French)
The French pop tribute to the now famous Blue House has recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, after songwriter Maxine Le Forestier introduced millions to the culture of San Francisco in 1971
.
Child of Man (English/Hebrew)
A joyous celebration of life and renewal, this world beat anthem is enhanced by global percussionist Ian Dogole on the udu. The last line is in Hebrew, “I wish I were a flower or a tree.”
Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko (Japanese)
“Ue o Muite Aruko” made its debut on the world pop stage in 1963, known then as “Sukiyaki.” A song of dignity and hope, it was notably reprised after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, encouraging the devastated populace to “walk with its head up.” Music Director Jason Martineau collaborated with koto player Fumiko Ozawa to create a new east-west arrangement of the pop classic, sung by Lua in Japanese.
Né Quelque Part (French, Zulu)
Maxime Le Forestier’s pop song, Born Somewhere, advocates for immigration rights in both French and in Zulu. The compelling, upbeat performance features Lua’s French vocal, backed by South African performer Gideon Bendile, with members of his Kalahari Experience Zulu Choir.
Imagina (Portuguese)
A mystical waltz in Portuguese by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Chico Buarque, its wide vocal range is usually covered with a male-female duet. Lua’s duet is with renowned cellist Emil Miland, evoking the oneness of man and woman in the cosmos.
Stregata dall’Amor/Ravel’s Bolero (Italian)
Martineau’s arrangement pairs the love theme from Fellini’s “La Strada” and its palpitating Italian lyrics with the world famous Ravel’s “Bolero.” Hadar sings with passionate intensity: “You say you do not know how to love, you say you cannot love; but you are bewitched by love!”
The Golden Gate Bridge (English)
San Francisco Bay Area comedic songwriter Rita Abrams penned a few extra lyrics for the 75th anniversary of one of the world’s most iconic bridges. Lua enjoys the romp as she takes on the persona of the Bridge who’s been through it all.
Isfahan (Instrumental)
The Far East Suite (1966) was inspired by a world tour undertaken by cultural ambassador Duke Ellington and his orchestra in 1963.The Khaju Bridge in Isfahan, Iran, is regarded as one of the most beautiful bridges in the world. Twist’s arrangement of Strayhorn’s “Isfahan” features Jason Martineau on piano, Dan Feiszli on bass, Larry De La Cruz on alto and Celso Alberti on drums.
Scriabin Etude in D# Minor, Opus 8, No.12 (instrumental)
Mystic, visionary, virtuoso, and composer, Alexander Scriabin dedicated his life to creating musical works to open the portals of the spiritual world. Music Director Jason Martineau takes the lead in a unique virtuoso jazz adaptation of the 1894 piano work, with fiery performances by bassist Dan Feiszli and drummer Celso Alberti.
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Lua Hadar with TWIST: Like A Bridge 