Sherry Somach, Chanteuse, Guitarist, and Songwriter of many forms, from ballads to baudy, presents an easy-to-embrace personality that has shined through a diverse career in music. Starting with the Half Note Coffeehouse in West Philadelphia, which she ran in the 1980s, you could find her at folk and jazz jams all around Philadelphia. Somach emerged as both a notable solo and ensemble performer in the 1990s, fronting Jazz Garden, concentrating on 1920–50s standards. This repertoire was tailored to appeal to senior audiences, and for whom she continues to carry a special affinity
Ever changing and growing musically, Sherry is currently rhythm guitarist and vocalist in a Gypsy Jazz group called Sherry Canary and the Kool Kats. There are no other women in Philadelphia performing Gypsy Jazz, which is traditionally the domain of men. In addition to learning the Gypsy Jazz standards, Sherry composes her own music in the Gypsy Jazz genre. The group plays music in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and the Quintette of the Hot Club of France .Some past events include Steel City Cafe, PSALM Society, Kimmel Center (warm up act for John Pizzarelli concert), Wagner Institute, Mermaid Inn, Philadelphia Folk Song Society house concert , Bryn Mawr Twilight concert series, Bridge Concert Series, Haiti Relief Concert, French Heritage Society, Schuykill Valley Nature Center, Kreutz Creek Winery, Whole Foods Rooftop Series, Coatesville music festival, Bucks County Bicycle Club, Columbia Hotel among others.
Somach's mellow voice might remind you of Pheobe Snow or Diana Krall with its smooth, smoky qualities. She carries a touch of the torch for 50s singers like Julie London and Peggy Lee, and some of the soulfulness of Nina Simone. To that, pour in a little Ricki Lee Jones quirkiness, and you have Sherry Somach.
Basking in her broad palette of colors and textures, you might imagine yourself in a low-lit piano bar, while she sings a sultry bluesy ballad. Unexpectedly, she will make you laugh with an upbeat satire, or a twisted take on contemporary relationship issues. Then, she will steal your heart with one of her soulful, heartfelt originals. And, as her own accompanist, Somach definitely swings her way around the jazz guitar.
Sherry has been interviewed on Gene Shay’s Folk Show. A strong presence at Philadelphia Folksong Society events, she has been leading workshops for more than 30 years the two of their events called Spring Thing and Fall Fling.
Additionally Sherry has honed her jazz vocal skills at several music camps; most notable, Jazz Camp West. She also continues to study guitar.
Somach’s debut CD Smooth Dry & Cookin', released to critical acclaim in November 2002, is enjoying both local and international airplay. She has been around the block…and out of the neighborhood!
Sherry "Canary" Somach and Ernie Pugliese will open for Ameranouche on Saturday July 9, 2011 at 8PM.
For info on pre-ordering tickets at the PSALM Salon go towww.psalmsalon.com
Snacks and beverages available before and at break. Dinner for sale too.
5841 Overbrook Ave
Phila., PA 19131
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