REVIEWS

Gifted Canadian Jazz Singer Steps into New York Scene

photo courtesy of Johnnie Eisen

One of Canada's finest singers has emerged on the international jazz and cabaret scene. Adi (Adreana) Braun is a powerhouse of musical creativity. She recently played a date at New York City's sophisticated Metropolitan Room and expects to return in August 2007.

Sitting in the lobby of Manhattan's Upper Westside Milburn Hotel, Adi Braun and I recently talked at length about audiences, singing and life in general.

Adi feels American audiences foster talent in a very gregarious fashion. She says, "Canadians are more wary and reserved." I asked her if she preferred smaller, more intimate spaces versus concert halls. She said she liked them both for different reasons and I could well understand why.

The former opera singer feels "music transcends everything." To perform initially in New York City, she says "required a leap of faith."

Since everyone always asks singers what they like from the American songbook, I did, too. Adi cited the work of Cole Porter, Kurt Weill and a little of Gershwin. She also said she liked Harold Arlen's "Stormy Weather" and "Old Black Magic."

I asked Adi about her classical background and the transition to jazz. She said, "I loved pop music (and)...found jazz very sophisticated." She mentioned Stevie Wonder and Abba as early favorites in her life.

Adi presently makes her home in Toronto. She grew up in Europe where she lived in Munich and Cologne. Her father and mother were both in music. Adi's brother is one of Canada's primary baritone voices.

When the accomplished vocalist has time to relax, she pursues her love of cooking, Persian cats, and gardening. She explores spiritual and philosophical ideas as well.

When I asked if this multilingual vocalist was a song stylist (like Nancy Wilson or Billie Holiday), we had a brief conversation about singers and style. She says she’s a storyteller, too. After I listened to her latest CD, I agreed.

Music writer, Scott Yanow, said that Adi Braun's first CD was "one of the most impressive debut recordings of the past few years." "Delishious" introduced Adi Braun as a new voice of great merit to the jazz and cabaret world.

Adi's second CD, "Rules of the Game" has 13 sublime tracks. The overall tone mixes old and new with a gossamer touch.

"Rules of the Game" is about love, romance and heartache. Some of the songs are quite snappy and swingy; others have an upbeat edginess.

The four musicians accompanying Adi are jazz pros: Terry Clarke-drums, Doug Riley-piano, Steve Wallace-bass and Perry White on tenor saxophone.

Adi sets the mood with "Rules..." She wants you to lean back on the soft cushions of your sofa and fall into a mellow groove.

We will just have to have more from this talented graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. She adds "a taste of honey" to the world of jazz and cabaret.

Read more about Adi Braun at www.adibraun.com.

Sandra Pianin is a regular contributor to the Ladies-Room with frequent articles on literature and music. She lives and works in New York.