Beth Lederman and Jazz Con alma Jazz Band from Phoenix, AZ

Jazz Con Alma Translating as “Jazz with Soul” Jazz Con Alma provides just that. Led by pianist Beth Lederman, the band mixes rhythms from swinging sambas, groovin' mambos, soothing bossa- novas and romantic boleros into traditional jazz and Latin repertoire. Rooted in the spirit of improvisation and fun, this group brings the musicality and excitement of this creative art form to life. From duo to quintet , the group is flexible to fit your needs and venue size. Vocalists are available if you prefer, or instrumental. Pianist Beth Lederman has been playing professionally for decades. She has been a side person, a band leader, musical director, accompanist, clinician and teacher. Her repertoire is vast and she knows how to make an event run smoothly and professionally. The group specializes in latin jazz, but they have a vast repertoire featuring music from Duke Ellington to Santana to John Legend. Jazz Con Alma has performed at the following venues: Musical Instrument Museum Tubac Center for the Performing Arts Kerr Cultural Center Jazz in Az monthly Jazz party McDowell Sonoran Jazz Festival Sedona Marketplace Lake Powell Concert Series City of Globe Concert Series Residencies in the towns of Thatcher/ Safford Central Arizona College Concert Series at Sun City Grand Jazz in the Hills Jazz for the Soul The Nash Peacock Jazz Festival Primavera Jazz Festival Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts-Sunday A'Fair Chandler Jazz Festival Biographical Information for band leader Beth Lederman Education: Beth grew up in a world filled with music. Her family ran Lederman Music Co., one of Arizona's largest music store chains. She began classical study at age 5. From ASU, Beth received her B.A. in Music, Cum Laude, 1990. Band Leader: Beth is currently leader of the band group Jazz Con Alma: a band which specializes in latin jazz but also plays traditional jazz standards with a bit more contemporary edge. She also directed, “"Novo Mundo" which was on the Az. Arts Commission 2000-2007 Artist Roster List and is a popular Brazilian & Latin Jazz group, which has performed extensively for many concerts, parties, and festivals. Her group, the Beth Lederman Quintet was on the Az. Arts Commission Artist Roster List from 1991-'95 featuring a "Roots of Jazz" program. Both groups played for residencies and concerts throughout Arizona including: * Primavera Women's Jazz Festival * Kerr Cultural Center * Jazz in Az Concert Series * The Orpheum Theater * Chandler Jazz Festival * Desert Botanical Garden * El Pedregal Concert Series * City of Glendale Concert Series * Scottsdale Festival of the Arts * The Phoenix Zoo Musical Director History: * Musical Director and keyboardist for a national touring production of Phantom of the Opera in 1990 which played throughout the U.S and Canada. * Past musical director for the Brazilian bands Zúm,Zúm,Zúm, Banda Trés, and for the 7 piece salsa band ¡Mas! Musical Experience: Although her main love is jazz, and latin jazz Beth excels at playing many different musical styles and has played with a variety of groups including: “The Diamonds” Bobbie Vinton "C.C. Jones Orchestra" "Dave Cook and the New Vanguard" West Valley Symphony “Little Anthony” “James Moody” Poncho Sanchez” "The Valley Big Band" “The Platters” “The Drifters” as well as accompanying many vocalists. Her professionalism has earned her many steady engagements over the years have including: the Arizona Biltmore, the Four Seasons Resort, the Royal Palms and the Hyatt Gainey Ranch where she played with steel drum/marimba artist Paul McDermand for over 20 years.