Monday, December 23, 2024

Jazz vocalist Sherine Wong celebrates the Great American Songbook on her album 3 & More


Renowned jazz vocalist Sherine Wong brings her love for the Great American Songbook to life with her debut U.S. album, 3 & More. Born out of Hong Kong's vibrant jazz scene, Wong’s latest project offers a fresh and sophisticated take on classic jazz standards, marking a new chapter in her musical journey and her effort to reach American audiences.

For Wong, the Great American Songbook is more than just a collection of timeless classics—it’s an opportunity to showcase the universal language of jazz. On 3 & More, her third album, Wong reinterprets ten iconic standards, accompanied by an acoustic jazz trio at the core of the collection. Some tracks, however, feature a progressively expanding ensemble, with the instrumentation swelling to a full ten-piece band, creating a lush, dynamic sound that elevates the rich harmonies of these beloved songs.

Wong kicked off the album’s launch with an intimate concert at Hong Kong’s Fringe Club, a venue known for its commitment to cultural exchange and supporting emergent artists. Mirroring the concept of her album, Wong began her performance with the trio format and gradually added new musicians, culminating in a full ten-piece ensemble. Her performance featured iconic songs by legendary composers such as George & Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, and Bill Evans, alongside reimagined renditions of classics made famous by jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, and Tony Bennett.

The Fringe Club, which promotes Hong Kong artists abroad and conserves the city’s cultural heritage, was a fitting venue for Wong's performance, symbolizing her mission to introduce her music to a global audience—especially in the U.S., where she aims to connect with jazz lovers.

After releasing two albums primarily for the Hong Kong market, Wong’s 3 & More marks her expansion into the international music scene. She assembled a team of world-class musicians, arrangers, and engineers to help realize her vision. The album features an array of jazz luminaries, including Thelonious Monk International Jazz Guitar Competition winner Jesse van Ruller, Japanese vocalist and flugelhornist TOKU, trombonist Dree Peremans, and trumpeter Stéphane Belmondo. The album was produced by the renowned Paul Pouwer at Power Sound Studios and mastered by three-time GRAMMY® winner Bernie Grundman.

The resulting sound is an exquisite balance of warmth, depth, and airiness, with each track skillfully arranged to highlight Wong’s urbane yet emotive vocal style. Her poised delivery, dexterous control, and genuine emotion are brought to the forefront of every song, making 3 & More a testament to her artistry and growth as a jazz vocalist.

Leading up to the album’s release, three singles—“On Green Dolphin Street,” “Tenderly,” and “Moonglow”—gave fans a taste of what was to come. In celebration, Wong performed at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Jazz Festival, sharing the stage with GRAMMY-winning pianist Herbie Hancock. She also participated in an extensive media tour across Hong Kong, appearing on television and radio programs and garnering attention from both print and online publications.

With 3 & More now available, Wong has set her sights on the U.S. market, hoping to bring her unique sound to jazz clubs, theaters, and concert halls across America.

Wong’s musical journey began in Hong Kong, where she studied jazz singing with top musicians from around the world, including in Japan, Europe, and New York City. Her debut album, Sherine Wong (2018), was followed by the duo-focused Two For The Road (2021). With 3 & More, she takes her artistry to new heights, embracing trios and beyond, and showcasing her evolution as both a vocalist and an interpreter of jazz standards.

Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Wong has a diverse background as a former Miss Malaysia Universe winner and a successful model and actress. She has been featured in global advertising campaigns for major brands like HSBC, Vidal Sassoon, Levi’s, and Shiseido. Now, with 3 & More, Sherine Wong is poised to captivate audiences worldwide with her sophisticated take on jazz and the Great American Songbook.

No comments:

LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...