Mix a cocktail of jazz, opera, folk, and originals, and what do you get? An evening of musical magic with The Dharma Dolls at the Vernon Jazz Club Saturday.
Three renowned fabulous “Dolls” compose this dynamic vocal trio: jazz chanteuse Judy Rose, opera diva Melina Moore, and eclectic singer-songwriter Tanya Lipscomb.
Five past sold-out shows attest to their ability to delight audiences with their unique sound, uninhibited stage presence, and uncanny ability to connect with the crowd.
Their outrageous mix of styles results in a surprisingly sweet blend of sound.
“We’re known for bringing three distinct flavours to the audience. We enjoy the metaphor of Neapolitan ice cream, where each flavour is delicious on its own, but together is really scrumptious,” said Rose.
Moore’s roots are Broadway and classical. Lipscomb’s unique sound includes soul, blues, jazz, and folk in the mix. Rose brings jazz, blues, and the French repertoire of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel to the table.
The performance features duets, group numbers, and solos.
“Our duets range from classical to pop – it’s a real gamut of flavours – a smorg,” said Rose.
Recently, Rose organized the Caetani House fundraiser A Splash of Red and performed a solo jazz show at Headbones Gallery. She has also recorded an album called K.I.S.S. (Keeping it Simple and Saucy) with six jazz “ditties” available on a personalized USB data key.
Coloratura soprano Moore is producing and starring in The Sound of Music with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, sponsored by Sparkling Hill Resort. This is the first full musical theatre production in the Okanagan with the OSO. Moore will complete a third Phantom of the Opera tour in January.
Lipscomb has been extremely busy touring. She did a cross-Canada tour to Quebec in July and August, toured to Prince Rupert in October, and on the West Coast in November. Future plans include an East Coast tour in June, 2013. She is currently recording her seventh album.
Accompanying The Dharma Dolls are Jim Leonard on piano, Sandy Cameron on sax and clarinet, and Bill Lockie on bass.
A master pianist, organist, and composer, Leonard is the Dolls’ regular accompanist.
“I started as a classical pianist and turned to jazz when my father taught me how to swing around the age of 12,” said Leonard.
Recent performances include touring with The Phantom of the Opera tour in the Okanagan this summer with Moore and Welch tenor Peter Karrie. 2004 saw the premiere of Leonard’s first opera, Maria Chapdelaine.
Cameron and Lockie are special guests for the event.
“We are very excited to have a bass and horn player for the first time, since we usually only perform with Jim,” said Rose.
Cameron appeared recently at the VJC with Sax Trio plus Three. His busy schedule includes booking and providing much of the inspiration for the Jazz Club of Salmon Arm (JCSA).
No stranger to the VJC, Lockie recently performed with the Tom Collins Quintet at the JCSA. He is the bandleader of Salmon Arm’s gypsy jazz band Gadjology.
The Dharma Dolls take the stage at the Vernon Jazz Club Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. and tickets are $20 available at the Bean Scene or Bean to Cup coffee houses, or at www.vernonjazzclub.ca.
