Jazz performance coming Saturday

Published 12:00 am Friday, February 19, 2016

JaimeePaul-LeifShires

Music lovers around town will have the opportunity to hear harmonious sounds of the likes of 20th Century jazz legends next weekend.

Covington Arts Council Director Paula Harr said that Jaimee Paul will be in concert on Sat., Feb. 27, at 7 p.m.

“Imagine yourself in a concert hall experiencing the greatest jazz vocalists of the 20th century,” Harr said.

The concert is called “At Last.”

“Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day, Judy Garland and the music that endeared them to American and international audiences is before you in real time.”

Harr said Paul has a fantastic voice and does a great job interacts with the crowd well.

Paul will be joined by her husband, Leif Shires, who plays trumpet.

“He’s unbelievable,” Harr said.

Growing up in Southern Illinois, Paul was influenced by many musical forms and styles, but jazz and it’s rich nuances and history held a special place in her heart.

In 2008, her love for and amazing interpretation of these standards led to a recording contract with Green Hill Music, signing on as their first female jazz vocalist.

Her first album, “At Last” reached No. 1 on the iTunes’ jazz charts.

She released her third project “Melancholy Baby,” which debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes album charts.

Shires, hails from Frenso, Calif., and grew up around a very eclectic mixture of music.

His loves and interests have ranged from jazz, Latin funk, pop, Indy, gospel and rock to classic R&B most notably with the legendary Memphis Horns.

Shires is also signed to Green Hill as a solo trumpet player who already has several albums under his belt, with more to come.

Tickets are on sale now at Harold’s and at the Andalusia Star-News for $15. They will be $18 at the door.

Student tickets are $10.