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Cocktail Cats’ Artists:
James Latham
Double Bass
Performer. Producer. Portland Jazz Workhorse.
From the intimate stage of The 1905 to the iconic Alberta Rose Theatre, James has spent years defining his quintessential sound on the acoustic bass. A Berklee-trained artist and tireless collaborator, he has shared the stage with the Northwest's finest musicians and produced acclaimed retrospectives honoring legends like Amy Winehouse and The Beatles.
What’s Next? James is currently weaving a new sonic tapestry: a curated performance series exploring the profound catalogs of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Don't miss this deep dive into the heart of folk and poetic songwriting.
Brigitta Teuscher
Vocals
Deeply influenced by Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Brigitta’s Teuscher’s voice is a heady mix of nostalgia and purposeful emotional depth. A contralto jazz vocalist with roots in Portland, Oregon, her voice has been lauded as having a rare mix of unconventional warmth and power. Her songwriting and production celebrates jazz evolution while incorporating contemporary elements to give traditional styles new legs.
She was the Best Vocalist winner at the Teagarden Jazz Festival singing for the Jazz Legacy Band and lead vocalist for five years in the internationally renowned Synthesis Jazz Band. Has experience touring worldwide. Performance highlights include getting the first triple encore in the Saukraasti Jazz Festival’s history, being a featured vocalist at the National Theatre of Cuba, and performing at Festinord’s 50th Anniversary in Stockholm, Sweden. Her work has been featured on albums such as Downbeat and Leaving Vancouver. Brigitta’s love of improvisation is enhanced by her background in diverse styles.
Calysta Cheyenne
Vocals
With her captivating and versatile voice, Calysta Cheyenne has been enchanting audiences with the timeless melodies of the Great American Songbook and other jazz standards across Oregon since her teenage years. Influenced deeply by legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Julie London, Peggy Lee, and Billie Holiday, her performances resonate with a rich sense of tradition and soulful expression. Calysta's dedication to her craft is evident in her extensive training. For nearly two decades, she has honed her skills through Seth Riggs’ Speech Level Singing Technique under the guidance of esteemed vocal coach Ken Orsow in Ashland, Oregon. Her pursuit of excellence led her to Berklee College of Music, where she immersed herself in the study of vocal jazz performance under the mentorship of acclaimed NYC vocalist Alison Wedding. Most recently, she further refined her artistry through a workshop with award-winning jazz vocalist and educator Alexis Cole. Currently based in Portland, Oregon, Calysta continues to captivate audiences with her performances while also channeling her creativity into songwriting. Her presence in the vibrant music scene of the Pacific Northwest is a testament to her talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her art.
Paul K. Ward
Keys
Paul is a lifelong pianist and jazz keyboard player with an extensive performance repertoire in the Pacific Northwest and Washington, D.C. areas. He’s,a regular and frequent performer around Portland, contributing to the great sounds of many of our most outstanding groups.
