Candice
Grand Prize winner of the Second Invitational Musicians Showcase, held at Club Jazz Nouveau, this lady from Philly has made an impression on the Bay Area with appearances at venues in the city of San Francisco proper (The Dogpatch Saloon, Ana Mandara, Shanghai 1930, The Moscone Center, Octavia Lounge, Figaro, Savanna Jazz, Rassela's) to the Penninsula (Domenico Winery, Central Park Bistro, Piacere, Sharon Heights Country Club, Micha's, Towles Cafe, Cafe Fino, Cetrella, Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, Palo Alto Elks) and beyond.
She's performed on the National Liberty Ship, S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien and received rave reviews for her performanceat Mecca Restaurant (June 2004) as Catholic Charities held its first Martinis & Jazz fundraiser in support of its HIV/AIDS Services.
Candice has a voice seasoned with sensitivity and experience and, whether singing a tender, plaintive ballad or putting the "S" in swing, you feel as though she were singing to you alone. She is at ease singing in an intimate setting with only piano or guitar accompaniment or in performance with a trio or larger ensemble. Her repertoire includes popular standards from the American Songbook as well as more obscure gems and novelty tunes. Her warm, natural delivery captivates even the casual listener.
Jeffrey Burr
The progeny of two classical bassists, Jeffrey Burr was encouraged to study music seriously from a young age, but chose the guitar as his instrument anyway. On the way to Rock Stardom, some Charlie Parker sides got through somehow, and Jeffrey wound up spending several years studying jazz improvisation.
At sixteen he performed with bop grandmaster Dizzy Gillespie. After earning his BA at the renowned William PatersonCollege, Jeffrey moved his shed to Brooklyn and generally made a nuisance of himself in the NYC jazz scene.This one time, he played with Norah Jones, but she wasn't famous yet. Before returning to the Bay Area from whence he sprang, Jeffrey recorded "Bright Blue" which is receiving critical acclaim as you read this.
In addition to having a hearty sense of humor, Jeffrey is one of the premier guitarists in the Bay Area.
Benjamin Wanicur
Benjamin Wanicur first started playing Bass during his senior year of high school. Although his wish was to play drums, Benjamin found himself surrounded by a sea of drummers. And as is the way of the world, there were no bassists to be found anywhere. To fill the void, Benjamin took home the school's electric bass and has never looked back.
After completing a Jazz Performance Degree at William Patterson University, Benjmain moved out to California, landing in San Diego. While in San Diego he worked with many great Jazz Musicians including Kenny Burrell, Gilbert Castellanos, Mike Wofford, Mikan Zlackovich, and Joe Marillo, to name a few. Benjamin also led his own trio (The Triptych Jazz Trio), performing at numerous clubs and private events.
In 2006, Benjamin moved to San Francisco to persue jazz in a larger city. Benjamin has already worked with many of the top jazz musicians in the city including: Mark Levine, Lavay Smith, Hal Stein, Donald "Duck" Bailey, Vince Lateano, Andrew Speight, Larry Vuckovich, Gerry Grosz, and Kelly Park.
Like many bassists, Benjamin has accompained many different musicians at a variety of gigs and events. As a bandleader, Benjamin brings years of diverse experience to the table.
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