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World Jazz Band Siora Releases "Vis-a-Vis" on Miowan Records

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Where can songs as distant in origin as an aria from “Carmen," an Israeli folk song, a Rumi poem in Farsi, a French Christmas carol, an Italian love song, and a Brazilian samba exist together in a borderless musical world? Using the universal language of jazz, Philadelphia's SIORA transcends boundaries, drawing us back to intimate human connection, while catapulting us “Face to Face" (Vis-a-Vis) into cultural counterpoints.

The SIORA sound is contemporary world jazz featuring the rich contralto of Phyllis Chapell soaring above the keyboard artistry of composer DanKleiman who “...plays exceptionally well...with virtuosity and perpetual creativity." (Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune) “Ms. Chapell's calling card is her facility with songs in their native languages, but her trump is a voice that is filled with smokey nuance and emotion," wrote Cathy DeDe of the Lake George Chronicle after SIORA headlined at the Lake George Jazz Weekend with Don Byron.

Their new release Vis-a-Vis (which literally means Face to Face) is a collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Paul Wickliffe. This CD is a multi-cultural journey in 7 languages, including 3 provocative original selections in English. Guest artists include Howard Levy (Bela Fleck) on harmonica, John Swana (Criss Cross) on trumpet, and Ralph Bowen (Criss Cross) on sax and flute. Afro-Brazilian and Middle Eastern rhythms underscore an array of wind instruments adding exotic flavor to this international odyssey. The CD reached number #48 on Jazz Week (the national jazz radio charts), has been or is being played in over 30 different cities throughout the U.S., and is being played in Europe as well. It garnered a 4-star review from critic Scott Yanow on AllMusicGuide.com.

SIORA is a quintet featuring the beautiful voice of Phyllis Chapell and the keyboards of Dan Kleiman (who occasionally adds his background vocals). The 11 songs on Vis-

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