Motown's
loss has been Arizona's gain! Mary Baker, "The Sophisticated Lady,"
has been delighting audiences with her dynamic singing style for over 20 years.
A fine contemporary jazz and blues vocalist, she has had extensive experience
as a concert performer, as well as performing in theatre productions and for corporate
conventions.
Dr. Jim Dixon has been playing music longer than many of today's stars have been
alive, and it will not be surprising to find him around long after many of them
are gone. The consummate musician's musician, he has found himself at the keyboard
off and on for nearly half a century. In an era of electronic devices which make
it possible for less talented keyboardists to sound like complete orchestras,
Dr. Dixon still bases his career on doing things the old fashioned way - just
he and his piano.
Born in Detroit, the youngest of eight, Ms. Baker,
a fine arts graduate of the University of Arizona grew up singing in the church
choir and listening to such greats as Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. Coming
from a musical family, and being surrounded by the Motown Sound, with Hittsville
U.S.A, a couple of blocks away. She was surrounded by such artists as the Temptations,
Supremes and Aretha Franklin, in her neighborhood. It is no wonder she is a natural
with influences like these.
Ms. Baker's soulful and unforgettable performances
have won her billing, along side such nationally known artists as Betty Carter,
Johnny Otis, John Denver, and Andy Williams. You can also hear Ms. Baker's sultry
voice on Love Light on MEB Productions, which won her a Tammie Award
for Best Jazz Vocalist; Southwest Sounds of the Season from the Arizona
Children's Home Foundation; and Mary Baker "The Sophisticated Lady"
featuring Jim Dixon Live! on MEB Entertainment Productions. There have
been great reviews of every concert, with Mary singing everything from jazz and
pop to Broadway. This album was also the kick off of their 1999/2000 regional
touring season which encompasses Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, and Texas.
Born in Chicago, of musically talented parents, Jim Dixon began his musical
career at an early age with formal study at the renown Chicago Conservatory, matriculating
through Fisk University, Roosevelt University, and the University of Chicago as
both a classical pianist and a woodwind performer. Prodded by unrelenting mentors
despite pursuing a military career, he never strayed too far from his musical
roots.
Decades of experience from his early playing days in Chicago blues
and jazz venues to overseas stints with his own jazz oriented groups in Europe,
Asia, and the Middle East have made Dr. Dixon one of the music business' most
respected and in-demand players. He was the house pianist at several Las Vegas
hotels and casinos and was a major lounge headliner in Las Vegas for many years.
He has accompanied nationally known artists such as saxophonist Gene Ammons; vocalists
Ruth Brown and Doris Troy; Latin entertainers Charo Cugat and Tito Guizar; blues
singers Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, and Jimmy Reed; and vocal groups George Holmes
Ink Spots and The Four Freshman. Dr. Jim Dixon is truly a world class performer.
Together this dynamic jazz and blues duo has wowed audiences of all ages
over the past five years and will continue to do so for many years to come. |
