Barbara Knight Quintet
Recently chosen by L.A. jazz critic Scott Yanow as one of the top 521 jazz singers of all time, Barbara Knight was a vocalist who did not concentrate on jazz until she performed with the jazz ensemble while attending Kent State University. After graduating with a degree in vocal education, Barbara started singing professionally in 1980 with the Harry Hershey Orchestra. During her 13-year stint with that band, she was the featured band vocalist in the hit show “Stompin’ At The State”, which ran for almost 2 years at the State Theatre in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. She also traveled to Miami, Florida with the show “Stompin’ At La Ronde”, which had a 9-month run at the Fountainebleu Hilton in Miami Beach.
For 17 years, Barbara was the female vocalist with the acclaimed Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. She has also performed all over the Tri-State region, working with national big bands such as the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and The Famous Jazz Orchestra. In May of 2001, she recorded her first compact disc, Night And Day, with the CJO plus strings. In 2003, Barbara made her Severence Hall debut as the guest vocalist with the Cleveland Pops Orchestra for their New Year’s Eve Spectacular. She continues to be a frequent guest artist with the Pops, college jazz ensembles, and regional big bands, as well as being a featured vocalist at the Lakeland Jazz Fest in 2003 and 2004 and participating in the Tri-C Jazz Fest “Song Is You” series.
In 2006, Barbara formed the Barbara Knight Quintet and a year later the group recorded the CD Angel Eyes, featuring a unique collection of arrangements by Barbara and bassist David Morgan. According to LA Jazz Scene Magazine, Angel Eyes is “…full of subtle surprises, making this CD a perfect introduction to Barbara Knight, a singer who takes chances and has the technique and abilities to constantly succeed.” The quintet can be seen playing in jazz clubs throughout Northeastern Ohio.
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