Holiday jazz special to air Thursday eveningBy KIOS
Omaha, Nebraska – "Joy to the World 2007" is a rich, hour-long live performance of holiday jazz hosted by pianist Bob Thompson. Produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting since 1993 in Charleston, W. Va., it is performed before a consistently sold-out audience at Charleston's Cultural Center Theater. "Joy to the World" has traditionally been the kickoff to the holiday season in Charleston.
This year, Thompson welcomes jazz vocalist Kendra Foster to the stage. She joins a guest roster that has included Kim Nalley, Dominique Eade, Mollie O'Brien, Allan Harris, Fontella Bass, Susan Werner and Toni Lynn Washington to name a few. Foster's devotion to music and her soul-powered vocals make her a truly unique voice in American music. Her style defies classification but contains elements of funk, jazz, R&B and soul.
Thompson's expansive jazz vocabulary soars in "Joy to the World 2007" as he adds fresh perspectives to songs of the season. Foster's individual artistry is key to the interpretation and arrangement of the featured music, and with Thompson, makes this year's performance as fresh as the season's first snow.
Joy To The World 2007 airs Thursday night at 8:00pm on KIOS.