bio

Hometown phenomenon Leah Souza returns to Plymouth Massachusetts next weekend. A regular on the Boston scene, it's been a year since Souza performed at home. She'll be in town on Friday , March 3, and Saturday, March 4, at The Radisson Hotel on Water Street. Both performances start at 8:30 PM.

A 2001 Plymouth North High School graduate, Souza studied vocals with internationally renowned singer Rebecca Parris, starting her junior year. She's performed professionally since the age of 16. "Song for My Father," a duet with her father, jazz musician Johnny Souza, gained radio airplay nationwide.

"The most remarkable thing about Plymouth jazz singer Leah Souza’s voice is not its power, which is considerable, nor its tone and pitch, which are both lovely, but the way she uses her instrument with control and grace, infusing even the most familiar standards with unique nuance and shadings."

Review - Leah Souza Trio
Jay Miller, Music Scene Reporter
The Patriot Ledger - March 31, 2008

"One of the freshest faces in contemporary jazz. . . She fully explores the genre, from lively numbers to sultry ballads. Souza applies her personal touch to each."

Bobby Hankinson
Globe Correspondent
Boston Globe - August 23, 2006

"Johnny & Leah Souza take a fresh approach on Horace Silver's Song For My Father, reworking this standard with heartfelt lyrics and top notch, tasteful scatting."

Gary G. Vercelli, Jazz Music Director
Capital Public Radio, Inc.
Sacramento, CA
KXPR * KXJZ * KXSR * KKTO * KUOP

"one of the most enticing new voices in contemporary jazz."

Jay Miller
Music Scene Reporter
The Patriot Ledger- May 19, 2006

"Leah, a Rebecca Parris protegé is attractive, fresh, smart, and quickly becoming one of New England's superb jazz vocalists.   What a pleasant surprise and relief to hear this young woman's unique interpretation of jazz and blues, and extensive knowledge of the American Songbook!"

Marce Enright
Publisher- New England Trad Jazz Plus

Leah Souza is a siren, with her exotic beauty and smoky voice. But she's a likable siren, down-to-earth and accessible.

Emily Wilcox, CNC Newspapers
The Old Colony Memorial, The Kingston Reporter, The Carver Reporter & The Wareham Courier January 27, 2007

"It's a pleasure to see a creative person grow, as Leah Souza has in the short time
since I first heard her. She has a fine rhythmic sense, good intonation and nice feeling for the song."

Leo Curran - Jazz Historian NEJA & Former Road Mgr for Stan Kenton Orchestra
Review of Live Performance/Show 2004

"A fan of contemporary music might draw comparisons to Fiona Apple. Souza, however, has a much sunnier disposition, as her rendition of "Summertime" proves. Her vocals are rich and engaging, sultry, but not sad. She artfully strikes a balance between the dark and light qualities of jazz."

Genevieve Wheeler
Old Colony Memorial Newspaper - February 25, 2006
MPG Newspapers

"Leah Souza has performed for several years at The Downtown Crossing "Jazz in July" Festival and everytime they perform she and her band have the audience riveted. I hope that we can have Leah as a staple in the series - always!!"

Pardis Safari
Event Planner - Downtown Crossing Association
Boston, MA

"Her voice is strong but mellow, sultry but youthful. She sticks to the lower end of the vocal spectrum with a mezzo-alto voice, but hits the high notes with ease."

Casey Meserve
Plymouth Bulletin Newspaper - February 23, 2006

"Leah sings pretty. She sings the jazz language - just like her Dad."

Peter DeVeber
Author and Contributor - New England Jazz Alliance