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| Betty Shirley's third CD Betty Shirley announced the release of her third CD as a leader, Close Your Eyes. The CD was completed just at the time Hurricane Katrina was rolling in. “We could hear the thunder inside the Word of Mouth Studio on the West Bank,” remarks Shirley. This new CD master survived the storm thanks to great people at Word of Mouth Studio. The CD is finally out and was officially released on March 12, 2007 at a great show at the New Orleans's “jazz institution,” Snug Harbor. The Times Picayune declares, “...her range and command of the stage make Shirley's a voice that should be heard 'round the world.” Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Shirley spent her childhood in Chicago, and “ran off” to study music and art in New York City at the age of 16. Betty Shirley honed her skills on the New York scene making use of Jazz Mobile, and performing in such clubs as Birdland, Green Street Caf and the Village Gate. In the early 1990's she followed her muse and settled in the great Jazz city of New Orleans where she has continued to perform at such clubs as Snug Harbor, Royal Sonesta and Donna's. She has sung with some of the best jazz musicians in the world - Ellis Marsalis, Art Blakey Jr., Benny Green and Bross Townsend, to name a few - and her tours have included Europe and Brazil. Her credits include the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Pensacola Jazz Festival, Essence Fest and the Women in Jazz Series. Betty Shirley most recent award was being named and honored as a 2007 Jazz All-star by New Orleans Magazine. Her other awards received included Best Jazz Vocalist, Gambit Magazine's Big Easy Awards and Duke Ellington Concerts Award. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |