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Jazzin' Around Southern California
by Harvey Barkan
"New and Wonderful"
Jazz Brunch at Nonya

The tranquility of the large room at Nonya Restaurant & Bar, with its spacious openness and restful Asian decor, set a tone for the gourmet jazz brunch. The feel of comfortable ambiance was accented by the conflicting busy world of Pasadena activity, visible through the continuous windows on two sides of the room, and the peaceful interior fish pond with waterfall and fat, ftiendly koi fish searching for a tasty snack. Featured musicians were Sharon Cline and the Bad Boyz of Jazz, presenting a sophisticated program of American songbook favorites.

The opening set was effectively understated, matching the ambiance of the restful environment and early hour, opening up more in later sets. Polished and sultry, Sharon Cline was in total control as she presented her stylized vocals of "The Nearness of You," "Love For Sale," and "A Foggy Day In London Town." Her elegance and clarity of vocals showed her reverence for, and influence by, the great Nat Cole, selling the song with a reserved power, letting the audience bring themselves to the lyrics. Cline's trio may be the Bad Boyz, but they're excellent musicians. David Arnay on keyboard, is also an associate professor of Jazz Studies at the prestigious USC Thornton School of Music. It's admirable that so many of the faculty keep actively involved in the real world of working musicians, avoiding academic rust and remaining current which also benefits their students. Bassist Bruce Lett and Jon Stuart on drums are in demand musicians, also playing in other groups. Topping off the precisely played presentation was carefully balanced sound for the large, hard surfaced room, no small feat.

SHARON CLINE & BRADLEY YOUNG
Lyndah Malloy-Glover

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Sharon Cline is an extraordinary vocalist who brings her unique joy and decidedly different sense of jazz to her performances. Her interpretations of standards, show tunes, and classic jazz ballads will leave a lasting impression on her listeners. Cline is exciting and sexy. Her style is reminiscent of a by-gone era reflecting the influence of legendary torch singers like Sarah Vaughn, Chris Conner, and Frank Sinatra, yet is distinctively contemporary. (She is also inspired by Dianne Reeves and Diana Krall.)

In 1990, Sharon left Florida for California. After studying music and theatre at the University of Florida and honing her music and acting skills by performing as the featured vocalist in revues throughout the southeast, she felt the need to go “west”. Cline relocated to Los Angeles where she pursued a stage and film career. After six years of soaps and other TV roles, Ms. Cline turned her career path toward music, specifically jazz.

This “thing” with music has always been there. From her first experience singing in front of a live audience at the age of twelve, Sharon knew that music was to be her life. A spiritually elevated individual, Cline says that she is a conscious woman. Translation: She is aware and accepting of where she is on her life path and chooses to live in the moment.” I love to express the connection I have with my higher self,” she says. This is done through her music. “For me all things begin with God.” Cline went on to say that music is a healing art. “It’s a shared experience I have with the Creator, the musicians and the audience.” Her response to my questions “why jazz?” and “why now?” was this. “Jazz is the perfect marriage between melody and emotions. As an actor, I communicate emotions. I believe there is a divine right order and that this is my time.” For everything there is a season, and for Sharon Cline, this is her season to sing.

He has combined a sense of the past with a distinctive flair for the present and offers an exciting innovative look into the future. Pianist Bradley Young takes the standard definition of “virtuoso” to promising new places on the musical horizon. Drawing upon a remarkably diverse series of historical and modern piano influences, Bradley has established himself as a dynamic player, composer and band leader in every genre from blues, soul, boogie-woogie to traditional and contemporary jazz, which is Bradley’s first love.

Young attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. Upon graduation, he returned to Chicago and built a solid late night reputation as an explosive pianist at many of Chicago’s top jazz clubs. He has shared the stage with many musical greats… artists such as Chet Baker, Art Farmer and Buddy Childers, just to name a few.

As a pianist, Bradley’s eclectic and soulful performing and composing style is unique in that it is reflective of nearly the entire history of jazz piano. His own musical evolution was inspired over the years by everyone from stride and boogie-woogie players like James P. Johnson, Willie “The Lion” Smith and Meade “Lux” Lewis, to swing and bop giants such as Bud Powell, Oscar Peterson, and Herbie Hancock, to contemporary jazz masters like Alex Bugnon, Brian Culbertson, and Joe McBride.

With these exciting and distinguished resumes behind them and considering all that lies ahead, both Sharon Cline and Bradley Young are certain to add to the musical traditions they so embrace as they emerge onto the national and international jazz scene.