Midwest Times, article 20/05/10 – “Exciting jazz acts on the way”

This Sunday will see a slightly new choice for music lovers in Geraldton, with the first of hopefully many monthly jazz sessions at L’Attitude 28 Bar.

I was recently in Perth helping install the A Day in Pompeii exhibition at the WA Museum. I took the opportunity to check the recently opened Ellington Jazz Bar in Northbridge and happened to see some of the artists that will be coming this way, mostly from the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

The Ellington is a beautiful, intimate venue with a jazz atmosphere reminiscent of a New York club.

In the dimly-lit room I watched world-class musicians who were clearly lit making exquisite sounds (excepting someone’s mobile phone message tone as they were about to kick off a song, which brought some added humour).

The 10-piece band performed countless numbers.

This Sunday the Shameem Taheri-Lee Jazz Trio is venturing out of the city to L’Attitude 28 Bar.

Shameem Taheri-Lee is an exciting up-and-coming jazz vocalist with a fresh and invigorating style.

She is equally at ease singing soulful ballads, swinging jazz standards or sultry Brazilian grooves.

Shameem has been performing professionally since 2004 and has become a familiar name on the Perth jazz scene. She has performed numerous times in Perth’s various jazz clubs – the Ellington, Perth Jazz Society, the Jazz Club of WA and Jazz Fremantle.

She has also performed at various popular music and entertainment venues around Perth, including the Perth Concert Hall and Subiaco Arts Centre.

With a warm and soulful voice, when Shameem sings she seems to speak directly to the hearts of her audience.

Her music is fresh and invigorating with a deep, personal edge to her lyrics, while her vocal style is sweet and passionate with a strong sense of groove.

Whether you’re a jazz fan or just a lover of good music, you’re bound to enjoy her performance.

Shameem was also chosen as one of the 2009 finalists for the prestigious James Morrison Jazz Vocal Scholarship.

Morrison gave Shameem a glowing review.

“Some performers need the audience to listen long and carefully before anyone gets that there is something good going on,” he said.

“With Shameem you’d have to be locked in a lead-lined room to miss this lady’s sparkle.

Her charisma and sheer energy on stage command attention and the listener is rewarded with a swinging, soulful sound. This is what jazz is all about.”

What a great way to polish off the weekend. Free admission too!

(article by James Thompson)