Jazz vocalist Natasha Miller and songwriter Bobby Sharp are an unlikely tandem, but fate has brought them together. Miller is set to unveil a new set of songs by Sharp on March 21 at Yoshi’s in Oakland, the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier jazz club. The performance will be recorded for a live album. "I’ve done three studio records," Miller said. "I like them, but my performance is so different live than it is in the studio. I feel it’s better. It’s more real and true to the music." Mil …

Argentinean jazz singer, Gabriela Anders, paid close attention to the music that surrounded her while growing up. Her father, saxophonist Jorge Anders, played jazz, but also listened to tango, Cuban and other music around the house. All of these different influences converge on Anders’ "Last Tango in Rio," an album that is uniquely nostalgic and contemporary. Anders covers classics associated with Billie Holiday, but also gives us six originals. Weaving throughout the album is the distinct …

Rebecca Martin doesn’t worry too much about fitting into any single category. She’s too busy making music, whether it’s a fresh take on old standards or writing her own original, intimate tunes. The singer-songwriter is showing that she can do both with equal grace and skill. The Maine native proved to be an innovative interpreter of jazz standards with her acclaimed 2002 release, "Middlehope." That recording drew the attention of Richard McDonnell, the founder of MAXJAZZ. He went to New Y …

With each album, Rene Marie proves herself to be one of the most daring vocalists around. She is fearless in singing about difficult situations or tackling a diverse songbook. Her newest release, "Serene Renegade," may be her most uncompromising, yet. Marie takes listeners on a journey of her life with nine original songs about herself and her family. She also includes the Beatles’ "Hard Day’s Night" and the standard "Lover Man Oh Where Can You Be" on the album. Some of the songs are joyfu …

This year is the Year of Mancini. In celebration of Henry Mancini, one of the 20th century’s most prolific and honored composers, Concord Records has teamed with his daughter, Monica, to release Ultimate Mancini on March 23. Many of Mancini’s most memorable songs have been re-recorded, in some cases using the original arrangements. In addition to Monica Mancini, the CD features several special guests, including Stevie Wonder, Take 6 and Kenny Rankin. Henry Mancini is best known f …