The Kitano Welcomes Janis Mann, 6/10-11

Recognized by critics as "one of the very best jazz singers in Southern California", L.A.-based vocalist Janis Mann brings an all-star band to the Kitano. A native New Yorker, Janis returns to her roots for two nights on June 10th and 11th. Joining her is the stellar trio of Kenny Werner on piano, Johannes Weidenmueller on bass, and Tim Horner on drums. On Saturday night renowned trumpeter Terell Stafford joins the group along with Martin Wind, who takes over on bass.

Janis Mann's latest CD, Blow Away, was a national hit on radio, internet, and cable, going to number 15 on the Jazzweek radio chart and number 5 on Music Choice. Alan Bargebuhr of Cadence writes, "This is one of this year's-or any year's-top vocal jazz CDs."

Reviewing her 2008 CD release, A Perfect Time, which charted in the Jazzweek top 10, Christopher Loudon writes in JazzTimes, "Mann is owner and operator of a splendid instrument that owes as much to June Christy as it does to Sarah Vaughan. She possesses the unique ability to be simultaneously cool and sultry, to seem as crystalline as Baccarat's finest yet smoky as a Dietrich film festival, and to suggest that she's just stepped out of the 1950s while sounding utterly contemporary. " And Dave Nathan described her inAllMusicGuide as "one of the most authentic and pure jazz voices working today."

Janis is currently a favorite on the Los Angeles jazz scene, her performances a hit in L.A.'s best rooms. In addition to her own popular shows, Janis sometimes performs in duet with jazz legend Diane Schuur, including appearances at the Blue Note, Yoshi's, and Anthology. Schuur was also a guest on the A Perfect Time CD. Legendary drummer Roy Haynes invited Janis to guest with his trio on several occasions, remarking "Great singer! I haven't heard anyone like Janis Mann in years."

At once both a striking song stylist and a fearless improviser, Janis Mann is that rare artist who can sweep you away with her captivating sound. She is a true jazz singer in the manner of Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, and Shirley Horn, yet with a sound all her own. An exciting and engaging performer, Janis' rich timbre, flexibility, and range often invite comparisons to Sarah Vaughan. Jazz critic Don Heckman writes, "Mann's deep, dark-toned voice and far-ranging musical ideas bring new life to everything she sings." Some of the jazz luminaries she has sung or recorded with include bassist John Clayton; drummers Peter Erskine, Joe LaBarbera, and Roy McCurdy; pianists Bill Cunliffe,Tamir Hendelman, and Dave Frishberg; along with many others.

Janis Mann's music is available at all online retail outlets including CDBaby, Amazon, NorthCountry, and iTunes. For Janis' full biography, photos, reviews, song samples, and more visit http://www.janismann.com/

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