Jazz at the Spring concludes its 2018 season with a group that is singularly suited for the beautiful acoustics of the performance space at Spring St Gallery. Three master improvisors: guitarist John Stowell, whose lush chords and unique approach to harmony is revered by guitarists around the world; our own Mark Kleinhaut whose unique voice and pianistic approach compliments John Stowell’s fret work so beautifully that their duo sound has been described as one giant guitar; and with the soaring voice and crystal-pure tone of renowned vocalist Kendra Shank, who among her many accolades is described as "Imaginative and daring," by The New Yorker; the sensuous orchestral quality of the ensemble is complete. These three performers have a shared love of the standard jazz repertoire, which they have explored and absorbed almost into their DNA. Their resulting reinterpretations of the jazz canon prove that everything old is new again! A not to miss evening!

Kendra Shank’s pure tone and elastic phrasing have won her rave critical notices and fans internationally. Hailed by The New York Times as a "superbly skilled vocalist" and an artist of "effervescence, depth," and "integrity" (Nate Chinen), she headlines at top venues across the U.S. and abroad, captivating audiences with her genuine warmth and musicality. Shank combines jazz originals, standards, world music, French songs, folk/pop tunes, and open improvisation in an adventurous, genre-bending style that inspired Gary Giddins to call her "one of New York's most original performers." (Jazz Times)

Originally a folk/pop singer-guitarist based in Seattle, Kendra Shank comes to performance naturally. Born in California to a playwright father and actress mother, Kendra was acting in plays at age 5, picked up the guitar at 13, and at 19 began her music career playing in Parisian subways and sidewalk cafés. After several years on the west coast folk music circuit, a Billie Holiday recording inspired her to pursue jazz.

Based in Portland OR, John Stowell has performed all over the world including performances with Tom Harrell, Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer, Milt Jackson, David Liebman, and Larry Coryell, who said Stowell, has an incredible originality. John is a master creator. John also has had a long collaboration with bassist David Friesen, which produced 6 albums and performances in Europe, Canada, Australia, and the USA. A harmonically adventurous player and talented composer, Stowell has released 9 critically-acclaimed CDs as leader, with festival appearances at Saratoga, Monterey, Telluride, Berlin, Molde, Montreal, and more. Chosen Talent Deserving Wider Recognition by Downbeats International Critics Poll, he is also an in-demand teacher and clinician of jazz guitar and has taught at the country’s most prestigious schools of music, including numerous Artist in Residence series.

Jazz guitarist Mark Kleinhaut who resides in Saratoga Springs, has been performing, composing and recording for decades. In 2013, Kleinhaut was included in Scott Yanow's book, The Great Jazz Guitarists, The Ultimate Guide published by Backbeat Books. During Kleinhaut's thirty-year career, he has recorded over 60 compositions, released seven albums including a Jazzweek Top 20 disc with saxophonist Bobby Watson, and an album with trumpeter Tiger Okoshi. JazzTimes writer and author Bill Milkowski calls Kleinhaut, “one of the truly brilliant guitarists on the jazz scene today.”

Jazz at the Spring is held the last Thursday of each month at the Spring Street Gallery, Saratoga Springs, and is sponsored by Capital District Jazz, Ltd. (CDJ) a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization formed by practitioners and fans who love jazz music. American in origin, jazz reaches and draws from millions of performers and listeners around the globe who are inspired by its rich history, excited by its technical complexity, and moved by its emotional depth. The members of CDJ want to share their love of jazz with current and potential performers and enthusiasts throughout the "Capital District". CDJ's mission is to build and serve a wider audience for jazz through education; to create performance opportunities for jazz musicians; and to develop venues for these pursuits. CDJ supports All Ears: Jazz and Improvised Music Workshop, which is a fun hands-on way for students of all ages to learn about jazz.

CDJ is offering a number of free tickets for youth age 17 and under. If you are interested in obtaining a free ticket please inquire via email mailto:info@cdjazz.org. Tickets are available in advance at: brown paper tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3520374