If you’re unfamiliar with Vivian’s work, she has been a featured vocalist for several artists, including Chris Botti (jazz trumpeter), Harold Mabern (legendary jazz pianist), Eric Benet, Will Downing, Towa Tei (Dee-Lite), Ryuichi Sakamoto (Japanese composer), David Morales (DJ), Junior Vazquez (DJ), Mads Baerentzen (jazz pianist), and Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20), and has toured worldwide as the featured vocalist for the afore-mentioned artists.
In addition, Vivian has written and produced for several well known artists throughout the music industry including Lalah Hathaway, Towa Tei (Dee Lite), Amel Larrieux, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, (Japanese composer), as well as for film and television. She’s had several hit dance singles released, along with her own highly praised CD, Sunny One Day, and a new project, Heart in the wings. She has worked as a backing vocalist for Christina Aguilera, Cher, Joe Cocker, P!nk, Patti Labelle, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole and Chaka Khan to name just a few.
A short list of places Vivian has performed in the US are, Smoke (where she’s about to begin her third residency, and has sold out every time she’s performed there thus far), Feinsteins, Cafe Carlyle, Kitano Jazz, Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard, South Orange Performing Arts Center, The Sheldon Concert Hall, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, Philadelphia Museum Of Art, The Arts Garage, WDNA Jazz Gallery, The Appel Room (JALC) (formerly The Allen Room), Vitello’s (CA) and several others. Venues she is scheduled to perform in 2014 are Dizzy’s (JALC-NY), The Blue Note (NY), Regattabar (Boston), Blues Alley (DC), The Kranzberg Theatre (STL), The Whitaker Festival (STL), Spaghettini’s (CA) The Jazz Standard (NY), Sound Bites (Sedona) and several others.
As the niece of jazz legend Nancy Wilson, Vivian’s performances have garnered her a loyal following all her own. She has worked with a stellar roster of well known and respected musicians including Reggie Washington, Casey Benjamin, Mark Whitfield, Tim Ries, James Genus, Billy Kilson, Billy Childs, James Weidman, Larry Goldings, Onaje Allen Gumbs, Terreon Gully, John Patitucci, Ben Monder, Clarence Penn, Greg Philligaines, Darryl Jones, Greg Hutchinson, Michael Beardon, Bob Hurst, Karriem Riggins, Reuben Rogers, Peter Martin, and Victor Bailey, with whom she is currently recording as a special guest on his upcoming release. She will also be a featured guest once again on Towa Tei upcoming recording, scheduled for release in the fall. As for her own music, Vivian will release her sophomore effort, a jazz set entitled Heart in late fall of this year.
QUOTES:
Nancy Wilson on Vivian Sessoms:
“She has her own distinctive style and sound and her interpretation of a song is truly unique. She must be heard in a live setting to be wholly appreciated.”
Jessica Poli – Feinsteins at Loews Regency
“It is always such a fantastic surprise when a new artist comes to Feinstein’s and just blows the roof off with their talent.”
Vivian Sessoms Live at Regattabar!
Special guests Victor Bailey and JJ Sansaverino
June 12, 2014: 7:30pm
Regattabar at the Charles Hotel
One Bennett Street, Cambridge MA, 02138
617.661.5000
$20
Featuring: Mark Copeland – Piano/Keys
Chris Parks – Bass
Louis Cato – Drums
