cathy segal garcia
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Segal-Garcia’s deep connection to rhythm and her earthy and organic voice brings a nakedness to her communication, a direct line in to one’s heart. Her repertoire includes original compositions and modern interpretations of standards and jazz musicians’ compositions.
Critical Jazz says, “The vibe of artistic integrity coupled with honest emotion for a captivating experience.” Don Heckman of the Los Angeles Times added, “Segal-Garcia’s most compelling quality is a warm, dark sound, luxurious enough to wrap a song in an envelope of lush timbres.”
Segal-Garcia has been a tireless supporter and producer of the L.A. jazz scene for years. Recognized for such by musicians, singers, jazz fans, and organizations such as L.A. Jazz Scene, lajazz.com, CA Jazz Foundation, Jazzvocalalliance.com, Great American Songbook Preservation Society, CA Lawyers for the Arts, and named a “Jazz Living Legend” in L.A.
Recording and performing with jazz legends is part of her career heritage. Guitarists Ted Greene, Joe Diorio, Larry Koonse, John Pisano. Pianists Ross Tompkins, Billy Childs, Otmaro Ruiz, Josh Nelson. Peter Erskine & Marc Johnson are on her recording “Song of The Heart.” Erskine says, “The freshest vocal project which I’ve ever been involved in, and it’s one of my favorite tapes of the past year... this recording deserves to be heard by as many people as possible.” Marc Johnson adds, “The choice of material is top notch -- very interesting. The duets were special, the interplay, dynamics, Cathy’s range and intonation are great!”
Her teaching is as well known as her singing, receiving accolades from her students who have had their voices and their lives changed. Her workshops for vocalists have been consistently produced since 1998, including such luminary guest clinicians as Mark Murphy, Cheryl Bentyne, Barbara Morrison, Rhiannon, Gretchen Parlato, Kate McGary, Nancy King, Peter Eldridge, Meredith D’Ambrosio, Sachal Vasandani, and Rebecca Parris.
Cathy Segal-Garcia is known throughout the world for her performing and teaching, especially in Japan where she has toured for over 25 years, performing in jazz clubs and festivals throughout the country.
She has 11 CDs to date.
Point of View, her 1st recording shows off much of Segal-Garcia’s original compositions. Featuring, among others, Russell Ferrante, Tom Brechtlein, and Gary Willis.
Heart To Heart, Cathy performs as a duo with the classic jazz pianist, Ross Tompkins… well known for his incredible accompaniment, especially with the Johnny Carson Show band.
Song Of The Heart is a beautiful recording of standards and originals with the stellar band of Phillip Strange, Marc Johnson, and Peter Erskine.
Day By Day Cathy recorded a duo with the legendary jazz guitarist, Joe Diorio.
Secret Life is an ode to a new life emerging, the genre of jazz including crossover material; funk, blues, world-music.
Alone Together Cathy and her long-time touring partner, pianist Phillip Strange adventure into the realm of modern jazz doing standards.
Bohemian shows off the Chick-like pianist Yoonseung Cho with Cathy in a duo, featuring originals and modern composers like Pat Metheny.
Never Forgotten is a CD and DVD set of legendary Ted Greene and Cathy in duo formats. This project was more like a documentary.
The Moment, featuring Cathy Segal-Garcia, Live at The Blue Whale, Cathy’s 9th recording, reveals how mercurial she is, and shows her vivid connection to these spontaneous musicians. Performing originals and jazz instrumentalists’ compositions, the creations with the musicians and her unhurried delivery without any superficial choreography takes the listener through various emotions for an honest connection to themselves.
Segal-Garcia’s 10th project is a collection of duos with 11 pianists and 1 violinist. Josh Nelson, Otmaro Ruiz, Vardan Ovsepian, John Beasley, Gary Fukushima, Llew Mathews, Karen Hammack, Dave MacKay, David Moscoe, Jane Getz, Bevan Manson, and Calabria Foti show the subtle abilities and emotions that are available to an excellent musician and excellent vocalist when they are creating together.
2018 announces the release of her 11th CD, The Jazz Chamber. With a crew of 30 stellar musicians from L.A., produced by pianist/composer Bevan Manson and industry expert Dennis Dreath, this project is an amazing compilation of beautiful arrangements, with very special guest artists, including: Tierney Sutton, Kate McGary, Mon David, Fish To Birds, and the legendary Bennie Maupin.