Leah Souza is a critically acclaimed
vocalist who has been described as having "one of the most enticing new voices in contemporary jazz." - Patriot Ledger.
Her interpretation of Horace Silver's "Song for My Father" that was recorded on Johnny Souza's CD entitled "Meet Me in the City" received
airplay on radio stations across the country. "Johnny & Leah Souza take a fresh approach on Horace Silver's Song For My Father, reworking this standard with heartfelt lyrics and top notch, tasteful scatting."
Gary G. Vercelli, Jazz Music Director
Capital Public Radio, Inc.
Sacramento, CA
KXPR * KXJZ * KXSR * KKTO * KUOP Leah Souza brings together the influences of Jazz, Blues, and R&B in her own unique style. Her debut CD entitled "Crazy Me" is completed and will be released soon. The title track "Crazy Me" is an original song written by Leah's father Johnny Souza who is also featured on trumpet on the CD. The band includes Michael Shea on Piano, David Landoni on Bass and Rick Klane on Drums. Special guests guitarist John Baboian and drummer Steve Silverstein perform on the title track. Leah has headlined 3 successful shows at Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge. She has performed at many venues throughout Boston and New England.
"The daughter of a celebrated trumpeter and vocalist, Plymouth's Leah Souza has a rich heritage in music, but she's increasingly making her own presence felt, with critics saluting her as one of the freshest faces in contemporary jazz and already at age 24, a superb jazz vocalist." -The Boston Globe
"The most remarkable thing about Plymouth jazz singer Leah Souza's voice is not its power, which is considerable, nor its tone and pitch, which are both lovely, but the way she uses her instrument with control and grace, infusing even the most familiar standards with unique nuance and shadings." -The Patriot Ledger
Review - Leah Souza Trio
Jay Miller,
Music Scene Reporter
The Patriot Ledger - March 31, 2008
"One of the freshest faces in contemporary jazz. . . She fully explores the genre, from lively numbers to sultry ballads. Souza applies her personal touch to each."
Bobby Hankinson
Globe Correspondent
Boston Globe - August 23, 2006
"Leah, a Rebecca Parris protegé is attractive, fresh, smart, and quickly becoming one of New England's superb jazz vocalists. What a pleasant surprise and relief to hear this young woman's unique interpretation of jazz and blues, and extensive knowledge of the American Songbook!"
Marce Enright
Publisher - New England Trad Jazz Plus
Leah Souza is a siren, with her exotic beauty and smoky voice. But she's a likable siren, down-to-earth and accessible.
Emily Wilcox, CNC Newspapers
The Old Colony Memorial, The Kingston Reporter, The Carver Reporter & The Wareham Courier January 27, 2007
"A fan of contemporary music might draw comparisons to Fiona Apple. Souza, however, has a much sunnier disposition, as her rendition of "Summertime" proves. Her vocals are rich and engaging, sultry, but not sad. She artfully strikes a balance between the dark and light qualities of jazz."
Genevieve Wheeler
Old Colony Memorial Newspaper - February 25, 2006
MPG Newspapers
"It's a pleasure to see a creative person grow, as Leah Souza has in the short time
since I first heard her. She has a fine rhythmic sense, good intonation and nice feeling for the song."
Leo Curran - Jazz Historian NEJA & Former Road Mgr for Stan Kenton Orchestra
Review of Live Performance/Show 2004
"Leah Souza has performed for several years at The Downtown Crossing "Jazz in July" Festival and everytime they perform she and her band have the audience riveted. I hope that we can have Leah as a staple in the series - always!!"
Pardis Safari
Event Planner - Downtown Crossing Association
Boston, MA
"Her voice is strong but mellow, sultry but youthful. She sticks to the lower end of the vocal spectrum with a mezzo-alto voice, but hits the high notes with ease."
Casey Meserve
Plymouth Bulletin Newspaper - February 23, 2006
"Leah sings pretty. She sings the jazz language - just like her Dad."
Peter DeVeber
Author and Contributor - New England Jazz Alliance
