Vanessa Rubin

~ VANESSA RUBIN ~

There are few singers today with the dynamic, jazz-honed voice and classic, mesmerizing, style of RCA recording artist VANESSA RUBIN. A serious listen to her smooth, fearless delivery conjures warm, vivid images of a crimson sunrise. Testament to her ever-evolving growth, her fifth album reveals that musically, she is exploring pivotal NEW HORIZONS.

A fascinating collection of jazz and urban contemporary sounds, with torrid touches of pop, it's the Cleveland born/ New York-based Ms. Rubin's most expansive CD to date. A substantial contribution to the jazz and Rhythm & Blues Diaspora, its passionate phrasing, flawless delineation, scintillating emotion and skillful musicianship echo the excellence of her earlier RCA/Novus albums: SOUL EYES, PASTICHE, I'M GLAD THERE IS YOU and VANESSA RUBIN SINGS.

Influenced by timeless legends, specifically Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, and her all-time favorite, Carmen McCrae (to whom 'I'm Glad There Is You' was a tribute), Vanessa's new album, recorded primarily in Los Angeles by Grammy-award-winning producer Andre Fischer, is permeated with impressive jazz interpretations such as: 'Here's That Rainy Day,' 'With You I'm Born Again,' and 'If My Heart Could Speak.' The ambitious effort also offers enticing urban contemporary edges, including: 'I Want To Spend The Night,' a romantic ride on R&B's sensuous side: 'Gotta B Everything,' a radio-ready jazz/funk jam: 'That Was Then, This Is Now,' punctuated by Vanessa's tour-de-force vocals; and 'Superwoman (Where Were You When I Needed You),' a splendid rendition of Stevie Wonder's'70s hit, brilliantly blended with the afro-jazz beat of Ahmad Jamal's 1950's classic instrumental, 'Poinciana.'

'I can't take all the credit for the positive results of the album", Vanessa humbly acknowledges. 'It was a unified effort, produced by Andre Fisher' (except for '. . . Rainy Day,' which Rubin produced in New York). 'Andre assembled a powerhouse trio for me, consisting of Harvey Mason (drums), Patrice Rushen (piano) and Dave Carpenter (bass),' she adds. 'On 'Here's That Rainy Day,' I used musicians from New York, Aaron Groves (piano), Richie Good (bass), Dwayne 'Cook" Broadnox (drums), Cecil Bridgewater (trumpet) and Kimati Kinizulu (percussion).'

The long road to NEW HORIZONS was paved with sacrifice and hard work, according to Vanessa, who in retrospect, claims jazz was the soundtrack of her childhood. 'Jazz was always the musical priority in our house.' However, Rubin admits, 'sometimes, before my father come home from work, I got my Motown and other R&B grooves on, because along with Sarah, Nancy and Carmen, I also was impressed by singers like Gladys Knight and Diana Ross. In fact, in high school I sang with a Supremes-like vocal trio.'

The Rubin household was a virtual artistic center, where the family piano was in constant service. And despite being somewhat of a tomboy growing up, Vanessa took voice, ballet, tap and piano lessons. 'I didn't stay with any particular one for very long,' she recalls, 'but knowing how to play, read music and sing correctly gives me more creative choices and helps increase my musical vocabulary.'

Although she began her professional singing career in Cleveland, where she sang with and managed a popular jazz quartet, Vanessa made the risky but wise move to New York. While word of her incredible voice spread like wildfire throughout the jazz community, she studied with Barry Harris and Frank Foster at Harris' Jazz Cultural Theater. Still, the ever independent, practical vocalist hedged her bets. Having earned a BA in Journalism from Ohio State University, she supplemented her singing career by teaching and serving as a Dean of Students in New York City's public school system. After college, I worked several jobs, but they weren't me. Neither was teaching, although I love kids. My ultimate calling, I realized, was to sing."

And sing she did. Signed with RCA/Novus in 1991, Vanessa's first album, SOUL EYES, brought her wide recognition and respect in jazz circles. Now, four outstanding albums later, she's established herself as a premiere vocalist, who has thrilled audiences at Carnegie Hall and at prestigious venues and music festivals around the world. However, NEW HORIZONS promises to increase her stature beyond the borders of jazz. 'Jazz will always be the center of my musical universe,' she assures, "but I choose to explore the soulful energy of urban contemporary music as well.'

The seamless manner in which Vanessa glides from one musical genre to another throughout her album is a sonic work of art. What's more, she maintains the flavor and integrity of each genre without losing its musical identity one iota. 'I'm proud to be known as a jazz artist. However, on this album, my label and I thought it was time to cover commercial ground I hadn't before. I think my fans are sophisticated and open-minded enough to appreciate its rather diverse mix, since it gives jazz its proper space, while also presenting another vocal side of me they've never experienced before."

The unique NEW HORIZONS of Vanessa Rubin has undeniable, genre-joining potential. Her confident vocals and unfiltered approach effectively bridge some of the long-standing gap between traditional jazz and contemporary music, and should turn on new audiences to both.

Ms. Rubin performs Thursday July 16.

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