Bobbe Norris with the Larry Dunlap Trio
Bobbe Norris, vocals; Larry Dunlap, piano; Dan Feiszli, bass; Jason Lewis, drums

Friday July 3, 8 pm
Campbell Recital Hall
Tickets: $28 general | $14 students

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Read about Bobbe Norris in June 21 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle's Datebook

The right pairing of an expressive singer and a sensitive accompanist can reveal every facet of a song’s beauty, from the drama of a great lyric to the allure of a compelling harmony. Bobbe Norris’s smoky contralto and patient phrasing imbue every song she performs with character and feeling. Her husband and long-time accompanist Larry Dunlap complements her sound with almost telepathic empathy. Their interpretations of beloved standards and obscure gems are rich in nuance and spellbindingly communicative. San Francisco native Norris, who celebrates her 70th birthday with this performance, has the comfortable individuality and seemingly effortless musicality of a veteran who has never stopped learning throughout a long and storied career. Dunlap, an exceptionally tasteful and versatile pianist, has played and served as an arranger and musical director for countless world-class artists including Cleo Laine, Joe Williams, and Gerry Mulligan. His outstanding trio includes some of the finest musicians in the Bay Area: drummer Jason Lewis and bassist Dan Feiszli.

“She reaches into a lyric like she's pulling taffy and brings out the sweetness and rich flavor of each song, discarding anything superfluous or sticky.”

– Rex Reed

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Photo Credit: Chuck Gee.

Q&A with Bobbe Norris

What is the first recording you remember hearing as a child?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

What’s your favorite food?
Macaroni and cheese.

What’s the most exotic place you’ve traveled to as a musician?
Kauai, Hawaii.

What’s the last book you’ve read?
The Bookman’s Promise by John Dunning.

If you could play with any other musician, living or dead (with whom you have not played), who would it be and why?
Bill Evans. He is my favorite all-time musician.

What’s your favorite tune?
“Star Eyes” by Gene DePaul.

Who is your greatest musical influence?
Nat “King” Cole.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have three recordings with you, what would they be?
Albums by Bill Evans, Ivan Lins, and Larry Dunlap plays Amandio Cabral.

What hobbies do you have?
Reading, walking by the ocean, swimming, watching videos.

When did you become interested in music, and what circumstances or events led to your becoming a professional musician?
My family was Croatian and played many instruments. I started singing at age four, and believed that it was natural way of being.

If you were to describe your music as a color, what color would it be and why?  
Blue because when I look at that color, it makes me happy.