Germaine Bazzle & Friends

One of the true legends of New Orleans jazz, Germaine Potter Bazzle has been under-recognized nationally and internationally through her entire career. On par with R&B queen Irma Thomas, her voice in jazz is as distinctive as any, with a sweet soul to match. Her exploits singing in the Seventh Ward are unmatched, but she has been known primarily as a teacher. Influenced by the greats like Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Eckstein, she took on a repertoire of classic jazz, American popular songs, show tunes, and the music of Duke Ellington. Sounds of the church were never far behind, and she sang regularly on Sundays with the Saint Louis Catholic Choir. A graduate of Xavier University, Bazzle chose to stay at home, instructing mostly young girls in choir and music appreciation at Xavier Prep. Her limited discography has her included on the compilation New New Orleans Music: Vocal Jazz and her live document, Standing Ovation. In 2007, she joined the faculty at the Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp, along with other Crescent City music icons, in particular Edward "Kidd" Jordan."
© Michael G. Nastos /TiVo