SSJN 2/8/25: Cheryl Barnes & Phil Cabasso, with Leo Nobre

CHERYL D. BARNES,  SINGER

Known principally as a Jazz singer, Cheryl’s versatility encompasses many musical genres.  Singing in four languages, Cheryl has performed around the world (including sharing the stage with J.J. Johnson, Wynton Marsalis, Quincy Jones, and a guest member spot with the world renowned Clara Ward Singers), and has recorded with a score of respected and beloved artists.  Her 16 years of Operatic training have brought her to the stage as a featured soloist with the Denver Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra and the Lawrence University Orchestra in Appleton, Wisconsin.  She has toured extensively throughout South America and the Caribbean, nurturing her love for Samba, Bossa Nova, Salsa and the riches of Latin and Afro-Cuban music. Her tours in Europe and Asia enthralled audiences.

A sought-after vocal clinician conducting numerous workshops and clinics across the U.S., she is also a founding member of the Jazz Vocal Coalition and retains an esteemed musical presence in Los Angeles, having been heard on stages ranging from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s prestigious  Friday Jazz Series to the Hollywood Bowl to the Hollywood and Las Vegas branches of the House of Blues.

What sets Cheryl apart from others is her incredible voice, which imbues each word she sings with a beauty and clarity all its own, taking the listener along on an extraordinary journey.  She opens her soul through her music and aims to make a direct connection with every listener.

She has created and performed a one woman show on the life of the great singer/dancer/actress Ethel Waters and has produced and participated in numerous recording projects.  Her most recent is entitled LISTEN TO THIS.  It features a remarkable cast of players including John Beasley, Rahn Coleman(Producer), Brandon Fields, John Hammond, Rickey Minor and, most notably, her husband and esteemed keyboardist/arranger, Phillip Cabasso, M.D.

Cheryl D. Barnes  brings a singular warmth and empathy to every line she sings, engaging listeners from a purr to a power belt.  Beloved around the world as a captivating live performer, she is one artist not to be missed.  

Visit Cheryl’s website for more in-depth reviews and information.  www.cheryldbarnes.com 

PHILLIP CABASSO….Jazz Piano, Arranger, Composer

Beginning at age 5, Phillip Cabasso began a life long musical journey.  Piano lessons, music in school, studying arranging and composition and performing on piano and trombone…all culminating in a 30 year collaboration with his wife, jazz singer Cheryl Barnes.  Their group, usually a trio with piano, bass and drums, performs regularly and wows audiences with their precision playing and artful renditions of jazz standards, R and B, Brazilian, as well as original compositions. This career taking place throughout university and medical school studies,  and as a respected full time internal medicine physician. He considers himself extremely fortunate to play with some of the greatest musicians in the world, not to mention, to be the musical director for the fabulous Ms Barnes!

JASON LUCKETT  

Subscribe: RSS | iCal