SYLVIA BROOKS

Recording artist Sylvia Brooks was born on May 18, in Miami, Florida, no stranger to Jazz, Brooks grew up in a musical family. Her father, a well-known jazz pianist, arranged, composed and played for such luminaries as Peggy Lee, Stan Getz, Dizzie Gillespie, Sarah Vaughn and Harry James. Her mother sang at the Eden Roc and Fountain Bleu, and the Playboy Club Circuit opening for Jimmy Durante, Rodney Dangerfield and others. She went on to become artistic director of a major opera company, and produced many seasons of opera.

At a young age, Brooks was invited to study classical theatre at the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco, which led to her invitation to join the Company, followed by a growing career of performances with numerous companies. Her experience as a serious actor can be found in her singing, bringing new insights into every song. “This music speaks to me,” she says. “It is timeless, yet it is so fresh and new there is always something to discover in it. The great singers of the past didn't just sing -- they took you on a journey. They embodied each song with passion and brought their lives to the music. Sadly, it has become a lost art form; I want to bring it back to life.”

As one critic said, “It's as if Brooks has lived this music; she and her musicians share an understanding of just what it is saying. I felt that I was actually hearing many of these songs for the first time. They take you on a journey, and bring something innovative and alive to the stage. Sylvia Brooks is definitely here; and that is a great thing.

Ms. Brooks released her her first and self produce CD "Dangerous Liaisons" last year.

Sylvia talks about her music and sings it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55ndi_TZnGU

Reference - AAJ