(Photo Courtesy: Shervin Lainez)
Jazz trio Duchess is a throwback to the Boswell Sisters — who were pioneers of vocal jazz, known for their close harmonies — but with a modern twist. Focused on entertainment as well as music, Duchess includes humor and banter with every performance.
“There is a unifying thing with music,” says Amy Cervini, one of the three vocalists for New York City-based trio. “When we’re performing, we’re not thinking about what is going on around us. We’re just focused on music.”
Duchess will take the stage at BLU Jazz+ Saturday, Feb. 18.
Cervini, Hilary Gardner and Melissa Stylianou say they enjoy singing, performing, making others laugh and sharing what they know about music.
“We are looking to lighten peoples’ moods,” Cervini says. “We have a great time and the audience has a great time, too.”
She says she’s heard positive things about Akron and is excited to come to a new place and share their music with new people.
Duchess will perform on Feb. 18 from 8 to 10 p.m. at BLU Jazz+ on 47 E. Market Street, in downtown Akron’s Historic Arts District. The show will be one of the first performances off Duchess’ new album, “Laughing at Life,” which will be released Feb. 10.
Tickets are $20 or $10 with a student identification and can be found on the BluJazz website: www.blujazzakron.com/shows.
In addition to performing, Duchess will provide a free masterclass at 6 p.m. before the show. Masterclasses are geared toward up and coming jazz musicians. Those attending will have the opportunity to sing and get feedback or pointers from Cervini, Gardner and Stylianou.
“We are serious musicians who are serious about fun,” Cervini adds. “If you are looking for a good time, Duchess is for you.”
For info, visit www.duchesstrio.com.
