Nina Bundy is a local treasure who made her entry onto the musical scene at the tender age of seventeen. Her initial engagement was with Tina Bradshaw's Big band at Town Hall in Philadelphia. Although raw and untested, it was evident that she would soon master all the intricacies involved in becoming an outstanding jazz vocalist. Nina's primary source of inspiration was her mother, Earselle Bundy, a blues singer(note:as tribute to Mrs.Bostic). Nina included two of her mother's favorite songs on this cd, Every Time We Say Goodbye and How Deep Is The Ocean. As Nina matured as a vocalist, her recognition and popularity escalated to the point where she was appearing in various jazz venues throughout the country and Japan as well. As a matter of fact,her captivation of Japanese audiences was so great that she had to return to Japan for a second series of concerts and night club performances.
Nina has returned to performing after some time and has been mesmerizing local audiences with her robust vocal dynamics. At the recent "Jazz On Cecil B." event a man stated, "In some ways, she reminds me of Billie Holiday". Maybe the ghosts of some of the legends of Philly jazz really were walking the Avenue that night! :)
Kemba Cofield captures the essence of every song she sings by painting a colorful portrait with each lyric, sharing her story that encompasses her joys and pains. She eagerly leads us through a path that celebrates the past and present with sensuality and richness. Her crisp articulation shines through to her soul; and it isn’t until then, that we really meet Kemba Cofield: the internationally known jazz vocalist, recording artist, writer, composer, talent extraordinaire. "I don't just consider myself a vocalist but a storyteller," she says. "If I'm talking about love, I convey that emotion to the audience."
This passionate display of musicianship has entertained diverse audiences nationwide including performances at some of the finest venues such as the Philadelphia Museum, Atlanta’s prestigious High Museum and the New York’s Historic Lenox Lounge. Kemba’s vocal skills have offered her the opportunity to share the stage with the Zapp Band, Midnight Star, Bernard Linnette, Don Braden, The Aaron Goldberg Trio, Takana Miyamoto, Freddie Cole, Rene Marie, and other famed musicians and jazz greats. The independent premier release of Shades of Kemba in 2005 sustained Kemba Cofield’s place in the music industry. Shades of Kemba matched her powerful resonance with her influential personality, depicting her growth into an established jazz artist. Her first project was completed with collaborations with Wycliffe Gordon, Victor Goines, Marcus Printup, Reginald Veal, Doron Johnson and Alvin Atkinson.
Since the release of her sophomore album, Kemba Cofield Live in Atlanta, Kemba has had an amazing career headlining the 2008 Atlanta Jazz Festival, the National Black Arts Festival and performing at Lincoln Center, the world’s leading jazz performing arts center. Originally from Frankfort, KY, Kemba relies on her spiritual guidance to remain rooted on her musical path. She credits her stage flair, personality and precision to the legendary Queens of Jazz, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. Kemba masterfully combined her spirituality and performance technique while starring in the internationally known 2006 Telly Award winning production “Eternity.”
As the 2008-2009 winner of the “Future of Jazz Straight Ahead Vocalist” competition, Kemba is moving to her polyrhythmic beat and the world is responding. Her desire and determination is the force that keeps her soaring in today’s music industry.
To visit Kemba's website click here ~~> KEMBA
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