6/3 Nicolas Bearde CD Release at Yoshi’s

Anyone who’s ever “missed the loving” of soul great Lou Rawls, or just needs to hear a fine rendition of “God Bless the Child” should head over to Yoshi’s Oakland tonight for the release of “Live at Yoshi’s – A Salute to Lou,” the latest CD by Oakland jazz vocalist Nicolas Bearde. Recorded Live at Yoshi’s, October 2007, the album tips a hat to the great bluesman with covers of standards including “God Bless the Child”, “You’re Gonna Miss my Loving” and “I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water” alongside Bearde’s renditions of work by Bill Withers, Max Roach and Abby Lincoln.

Bearde, a professional singer, actor and voice-over artist, has been performing in the Bay Area jazz and blues scene for almost 30 years, cutting his teeth first at San Francisco’s infamous Pasand nightclub and later with Bobby McFerrin’s world renowned “Voicestra” vocal ensemble in the 80’s. He’s released two albums-1998’s “Crossing the Line”, and the 2004 follow-up “All About Love” while touring the world from Tokyo to the Bay. Check out his performance of “Never Let Me Go” in the clip above and head to Yoshi’s tonight for more.-Kwan

Nicolas Bearde CD Release
$12-$18
8pm
Yoshi’s Jazz House
510 Embarcadero, Oakland
510.238.9200
http://www.yoshis.com