One of the finest singer/songwriters in jazz makes a much–anticipated return to our stage while riding high on her splendid new Afrasia Productions album, Modern Ancestors. “I have always felt that the jazz singer by definition is associated with standards from the past century, our Ancestors,” says Carmen Lundy. “The idea of Modern is simply to give the music I write and sing the chance to be seen and heard in the now: authentic 21st century jazz. My vocal influences include many of our great and most recent predecessors: Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, John Coltrane. This project pays tribute to these fine artists, and to the cultural and musical contributions from the diaspora: the Modern Ancestors who left behind a legacy and defined the sound and spirit of Jazz, the music of our time and all times.” Carmen Lundy – vocals Andrew Renfroe – guitar Matthew Whitaker – piano Kenny Davis – bass Kassa Overall – drums Mayra Casales – percussion