CHRIS OATTS QUINTET W/NAJWA PARKINS | SUN OCT 20 | 6:00PM & 8:30PM

Chris Oatts brings his quintet of stellar musicians to South to collaborate with vocalist Najwa Parkins for an unforgettable night of jazz standards, reimaginings and contemporary new music.

Oatts has been hailed as “a force to be reckoned with”. Performing locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, Chris has performed, recorded, or toured as leader as well as with the likes of Seal, Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Band, Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Wycliffe Gordon, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and The Temptations.

Chris is known for his lush sound, virtuosic technique and soulful improvisations that combine reverence of the jazz tradition with an eye to the musical future.  As a composer, Chris’ unique works display a love of hard swinging jazz, lyrical melody and dense harmony. 

Najwa Parkins is a Philadelphia-based vocalist, educator, and songwriter/composer. Her voice has often been described as smooth, smoky, and soulful— with a profound range of emotion.

" Najwa Parkins is not only a very talented vocalist/musician, but she is to be admired for her devotion to excellence. While working with her, the first thing I was struck by was the maturity in her interpretations of The Great American Songbook. She has obviously done her homework. Oh, and she swings, too."  -Larry McKenna

 The Band

Najwa Parkins, vocals

Chris Oatts, saxophone

Joe Anderson, trumpet

Tim Brey, piano

Sam Harris, bass

Donovan Pope, drums