Photo Coverage: Marcos Valle & Stacey Kent Play Birdland

In a world of ever more powerful Broadway voices dominating the local Cabarets it was musically intoxicating to hear the opposite, as Birdland presented some smooth Brazilian jazz offerings this month.

First it was Eliane Elias the brilliant pianist, singer, arranger and songwriter who brought the music of Brazil to legendary jazz club. The Ipanema tide then brought in Stacey Kent singing with the Brazilian composer, arranger and keyboardist Marcos Valle. All of these artists brought the sounds and rhythms of the Antonio Carlos Jobim school of understated, passionate, and exciting harmonies to "The Jazz Corner Of The World" on 44th Street. This was music you just don't listen to, it brings you to another place, where everything is sexy and seductive. As Marcos Valle's hit song says - it was "So Nice" Samba de Verao.

Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff

Marcos Valle & Stacey Kent

Marcos Valle

Marcos Valle

Stacey Kent & Jim Tomlinson

Marcos Valle & Stacey Kent

Stacey Kent & Marcos Valle

Stacey Kent, Gianni Valenti, Marcos Valle