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Laura Crema and Sharon Minemoto Unite for an Extraordinary Jazz Collaboration

Mike Allen presents: Jazz on Gabriola welcomes two of Vancouver’s most accomplished jazz musicians, Laura Crema and Sharon Minemoto, who are joining forces for “sultry jazz songbook” at the Phoenix Auditorium, Sunday, April 13^th at 3pm, which promises to captivate jazz lovers. The duo, renowned for their exceptional talent and creative prowess, has been making waves in the Vancouver jazz scene for decades, and their latest partnership showcases their remarkable chemistry and musical synergy. Joining them will be Darren Radtke, bass and Mike Allen, sax.

Both Crema and Minemoto have recently released albums under their own names: Crema’s StringSongs (2022), a lush duo album that exudes sultry jazz vocals, and Minemoto’s Dark Night, Bright Stars (2023), a high-energy quartet album brimming with vibrant jazz compositions. Their shared history of musical collaboration spans over 16 years, with the duo frequently performing together across British Columbia, the Yukon, and Canada.

The pair’s upcoming performances will feature original co-written compositions such as "Seraphina" and "Love Be Kind," alongside timeless classics from jazz legends like Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, Elis Regina, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Hoagy Carmichael. Their diverse musical repertoire reflects their deep-rooted passion for both innovation and tradition.

Laura Crema’s journey into jazz began as a young tap dancer, later discovering the transformative power of the human voice through artists like Judy Garland and Billie Holiday. Her soulful, reimagined takes on jazz and country classics have earned her widespread acclaim, particularly for her latest album Blue Shadows on the Trail, praised by No Depression magazine.

Sharon Minemoto, a Vancouver-based pianist and composer, has been a leading force in the local jazz community for over 25 years. With her original compositions and dynamic performances, Minemoto’s musical prowess has been celebrated worldwide. She has performed alongside jazz greats, including Dee Daniels, Joani Taylor, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, while also sharing her expertise through teaching and workshops.

As long-time friends and musical collaborators, Laura and Sharon’s chemistry is undeniable. Their upcoming performances promise to be a memorable celebration of their deep friendship, years of collaboration, and shared love for the jazz genre.