We ended 2022 over the weekend at Ravenscroft with one of the finest concerts we’ve ever produced … anytime, anywhere. Arizona is duly blessed with some world-class musicians and Beth Lederman and her band proved it to a fully-packed house on Saturday night. It was an exceptional show from the first note to the last. On the stage with Beth was Allen Ames on violin, Juli Wood on sax and vocals, Steven Powell on vocals and percussion, Felix Sanz on bass, and Todd Chuba on drums. Thank you, Beth, for putting together a show that put us all in the Spirit of the Season.
As always, our concert photos are by Pablo Robles.
Woody Wilson
We cannot thank you enough for being part of our special day in January at Royal Palms. The music was beyond perfect thanks to you. We know that you will continue to be an asset across the valley with many more couples. We are all so lucky to work with you!
Thanks again, Danny and Alexandra Bowen, March 2019
She’s on every major gig worth talking about, making accessible, lovely music for a wide variety of venues, times, and audiences. On her latest, 2013 release, Las Sombras, Lederman and the regularly gigging musician friends of her Jazz con Alma leave lovely surprises in the 10 covers and originals.
Gershwin’s “But Not For Me” transforms into a piano wonderland, reaching such staggered heights with Lederman at the helm, her steady bassist Felix Sainz and drummer Emerson Laffey keeping perfect rhythm, saxophonist Mary Petrich swanking up the atmosphere, pulling in the spirits of the past with the present — a lovely showcase of what the jazz quartet can do on a timeless track.
From Carol Weber, AXS Jazz Mag 2016
I love your world-class playing! Every time I hear you on KJZZ – of which I am a very loyal listener – I stop what I am doing – and listen closely and enjoy so much – thank you for bingring your talent to the world! (Thank Blaise for playing your work!!)
Ian Ginsburg, February 2014
Arizona-born pianist-composer Beth Lederman’s new CD, Las Sombras represents her incredible piano diversity, inventive arrangements, and memorable originals. Beth has led two strong combos during the past decade, the Brazilian-focused Novo Mundo and the newer Jazz con Alma Latin ensemble.
She demonstrates her agile keyboard style and fertile imagination with standards and originals that include the longtime audience favorite, “Supai Waltz.” This album offers high-level musicianship for an ear-pleasing mix of Latin and swing sounds that includes Beth’s distinctive solo interpretation of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.”
The tracks are enhanced by an A-list of guest artists: Dennis Rowland, Jerry Donato, Mike Crotty, Mary Petrich, Sherry Roberson, Paul Anderson, Joe Garcia, Kay Peper, Todd Chuba, Mike King, Mike Ozuna, and Pete Pancrazi, each adding a diverse element to her stellar core trio of Felix Sainz on bass and Emerson Laffey on drums. This one’s a keeper for serious jazz collectors.
Patricia Myers for www.MusicSceneAZ.com
“You were spectacular!!!! I appreciate you sharing your gift of music with us in this clinic. After you left we immediately put away the square music that we were rehearsing and attacked the difficult section of “Sunny.” Their ears were primed to hear close harmonies and then we invited people to come sing the melody, concert style. The directions were to stay close to the melody, but to also make their own by not singing exactly what was on the page. Usually we have 2 – 4 people volunteer. Tonight we had 9. That’s great. Perhaps the biggest compliment to you is that our accompanist, who doesn’t play jazz at all, said she could spend many more hours listening to your explanations and demonstrations. I, too, was completely impressed and engaged. You were far more than I had imagined. Hopefully, we can have you back.
Cary Burns, Director of Tempe Community Chorus, July 2010
Beth Lederman is a bright, articulate person across an interview table or behind her keyboards. Anyone who has seen and heard her perform…can attest to her immense talents. She is deserving of this first Musician of the Month Award and the firm support of the jazz community and jazz-loving patrons of this, or any area.
From Jazz Notes, Jazz in Az Newsletter, 1995
“Wonderful night! The head of the music program was thoroughly impressed with your sensitive, skillful renderings; not a surprise to those of us who enjoy the privilege of having you on stage. Thank you most sincerely.”
Paul McDermand, Band Leader, December 2009
Dear Beth, You can’t imagine how mundane the awards chapel was before your arrival. I am so impressed with how you entertain and tie it all together without ever overpowering the event. I thoroughly enjoy the music you play so beautifully. Thanks!!
Candace Wilkinson, All Saints
Beth, thanks so much. Your music was wonderful. We all enjoyed it! This was our first event with live music and we heard from several members and guests how much they enjoyed the music! I am sure we will be in touch for next year’s event. It was nice meeting you and thanks again for beautiful music you play. Must be nice to have such a talent.
Becca Cornwell, VA Local 469
I can hear why you are excited about the band. Great sound and a real feel for the music. . . if you don’t understand the music, you can never truly showcase it. Keep on Swingin’.
Allan “AJ” Lavoie, CHRW Radio London Ontario Canada, 2006
UTTERLY RAVE REVIEWS FOR BETH FROM EVERYONE TONIGHT!
Dwight Brewer, pianist, Royal Palms Hotel, 2007
What can I say but “Great Job!” Your performance was superb on April 8th, 2005, at the garden . . . You are such an easy group to work with and you are fabulous together.
Lisa Buchner, Desert Botanical Garden, 2005
Thanks for an incredible “Sold Out” performance at the Desert Botanical Garden!
Jill Thomas, Desert Botanical Garden, 2004
Please accept this . . . thank you for providing excellent musical entertainment for the 2003 “An Evening of Goodwill.” Thank you also for accommodating our limited budget without any compromise in quality!
2003 Evening of Goodwill Event Committee
October 4th was another memorable night for Zoo-fari. We received many compliments on the evening’s entertainment. Thanks for joining us. Hope we can work together again.
Marjorie Fink, Phoenix Zoo, 2003
They were excellent! Very much aware of how to engage elementary-age children – and their music was tremendous!
Valerie Gorodensky, Principal of Mary C. O’Brien School, Casa Grande, 2002
Thank you so much for the beautiful background music you presented during our annual Employee Excellence Awards breakfast. We heard many wonderful comments about your playing. You certainly added a touch of class to our event.
Pam Lindley, City of Phoenix, 2000