Danceable Romance with "The Classics"

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Sound Bites Grill, 101 N State Route 89A , Sedona, AZ 86336

Snuggle up on the dance floor and enjoy a luxurious evening of romantic, easy-going standards. “The Classics” band is back at Sound Bites Grill in uptown Sedona (Hyatt Center). This easy-swing piano jazz trio is joined by acclaimed vocalist Susannah Martin, a Sedona favorite beloved for her sultry, sweet and spicy singing.

There is no cover charge for this event. In addition, Sound Bites will offer their Early Bird Special Menu for the entire evening. Reservations suggested by calling 928-282-2713 for more info visit www.SoundBitesGrill.com

The band will perform treasures from the American Song Book - from torch ballads and easy swing to tantalizing latin numbers, plus some pop favorites. Songs include “The Look of Love”, “Teach me Tonight” and “Makin’ Whoopee”, vocal duets and many more beloved standards along with hits by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin & Bette Midler.

Joining Susannah Martin onstage are jazz pianist/vocalist, Steve Sandner,acoustic bassist, Selwyn Reams and drummer, George Bein.

Vocalist Susannah Martin has lived and performed around Sedona and northern Arizona for the past 14 years, earning the love and respect of fans and musicians alike for her jazz, bossa nova and pop stylings.

“Susannah Martin is the consummate performer. She brings class and polish to any stage...a true delight to behold.” says the Tucson Jazz Society. According to Blue Note recording artist, Kurt Elling, “Susannah Martin is just what audiences need to hear...sexy attitude, excellent audience rapport –she’s delicious!”

Martin’s ability to finesse a song is enhanced by her rare improvisational talents. Originally from San Diego, CA, her 30+ year singing career has brought her up and down the West Coast, through the Caribbean as a cruise ship singer, into the South and back to the Southwest. She performs with AZ touring bands, “3MKi” and the “Dynamite Divas” , plus World Vintage group, “Flor de Bee”. Martin also coaches voice students and serves other professional musicians as an online music promoter and record label operations manager.

Pianist and vocalist, Steve Sandner, hails from the Chicago area, where he’s been performing since the mid-60’s at top jazz venues. Although he returns to the Midwest every summer for a rich season of music touring, he also enjoys a home and a lively music career in Sedona the rest of the year. His musical jazz style has elements of big band, blues and swing, and is a real treat for music lovers. Listening to Steve’s style, one can hear the influences of pianists Nat Cole, Bill Evans, and Oscar Peterson, and his vocals have echoes of Frank Sinatra & Harry Connick, with a blues element from the Charles Brown tradition. Steve’s most versatile musical combination is the jazz trio, though he often performs solo, with a duo, or a larger group. He is also in demand accompanying other vocalists, jazz & pop, and has extensive experience as a sideman in jazz, pop, rock and blues ensembles live and recorded, having also released several albums of his own.

Selwyn Reams joins the trio with his mastery on jazz bass. Originally from Arizona, Reams grew up in a musical family and became a musician early, playing several brass and reed instruments. He took up the double bass while in college at Northern AZ University (NAU) and has played double bass in seven different Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Although versed in all styles of music, Selwyn is a jazz aficionado and has performed at numerous jazz venues and festivals including, Playboy Jazz Festival, Sedona Jazz on the Rocks and Vancouver International Jazz Festival in British Columbia, Canada. He’s performed with many high profile artists, including Cedar Walton, Joe Williams, Emmy Lou Harris, Donald O'Connor, John Lee Hooker and DeeDee Bridgewater.

Rounding out “The Classics” is bandleader and drummer, George Bein. George started his musical journey as a drummer with various high school and college dance bands. His path then led him to earn his PhD in Electrophysics and a career in the field. Bein was overjoyed to return to the drums, first joining the percussion section of the Cottonwood Community Band, and now, as founder of his own band. He’s thrilled to have our Sedona community and visitors join in the fun and romance, the beautiful music, the delicious food and dancing with “The Classics”.