Spencer Day, a young
and uniquely American singer songwriter, has already enjoyed a remarkable
career. His easy-listening voice, versatile piano playing, unpretentious
original compositions and charming personality have earned him acclaim from
coast to coast. He has appeared on national television four times, and
performed at some of the finest and established music venues in the United
States.
Now the release of his much anticipated third CD, Vagabond, may well
be his most ambitious and accomplished musical endeavor to date. Vagabond
spotlights Day's distinctively expressive style of American contemporary
music, a blend of jazz, pop, soul and folk. His smooth baritone voice
interprets his original compositions with compassion and a touch of humor.
Vagabond sets the tone for the 21st-century American Songbook.
Born in Utah, Spencer was raised in rural Arizona, primarily by a single mom
who is a music teacher, lyric soprano and a devotee of musical theater. His
mother, Jeannie, has had a profound influence on his musical pursuit.
Largely self-taught, Day’s work reveals the influences of such diverse
composers as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Joni Mitchell, Carol King, John
Lennon and Paul Simon. In his music, one can hear his humanism,
vulnerability and universal melodic phrasing. “I want to create a passionate
fusion of all the musical styles that have inspired me,” he says. “As I grow
as an artist, I hope to continue paying homage to the great artists who have
shaped my style.”
A prolific composer and self-proclaimed perfectionist, Day has devoted
himself to his career. His hard work has been paying off. Since he was a
featured performer at the 2007 San Francisco Jazz Festival, he has been a
perennial favorite in the Bay Area, headlining at Yoshi’s, the Plush Room,
the Great American Music Hall and the Herbst Theatre.
In New York City, Spencer received rave reviews in Time Out and
Backstage magazines, after performing to enthusiastic audiences at the
Town Hall, Joe’s Pub, and the Canal Room. He has headlined at the Kennedy
Center in Washington, the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis, and the Dakota
in Minneapolis. Spencer recently opened for Rufus Wainwright at the Napa
Valley Opera House and appeared at the Tanglewood Jazz Festival at the
invitation of Marian McPartland, who was celebrating her 90th birthday.
Spencer recorded his newest CD, Vagabond, with Yair Evnine, his
longtime guitarist/cellist, along with Grammy-nominated master drummer Scott
Amendola (Charlie Hunter) and renowned bassist Jon Evans (Tori Amos). In the
intimate, acoustically outstanding theatre at CSPS, he'll be joined onstage
by Yair Evnine.
Sat Nov 29
| 8 pm CSPS | 1103 Third St SE | Cedar Rapids
$17 advance | $20 day of show
“Norah Jones and Michael Buble, meet your competition: A young hunk who
can croon the old tunes and some very solid originals. This kid can sing!”
The San Francisco Chronicle
“Put him in the company of Rufus Wainwright, Nellie McKay and other young
singer-songwriters who have open hearts and something new to say.” Time
Out New York
