By Dean M. Shapiro
When vocalist Zardis emerged from a 14-
COVER STORY
year hiatus December of 2016 with a concert
honoring some of the greatest jazz artists of the
20th century, then followed it up with a homage to
Nina Simone nearly a year later, it was a fitting way to
make her New Orleans professional singing debut. Since
birth, jazz has been in her family genes and throughout
her career, she has surrounded herself with some of the
icons of the genre.
Growing up in New Orleans she recalls listening to her
great uncle, Chester Zardis (after whom she was named), a
renowned upright bass player who performed alongside Louis
Armstrong, Count Basie, George Lewis, Bunk Johnson and
many other jazz immortals.
Later on, at the start of her professional singing career, jazz
pianists Horace Silver, Bill Henderson and Barry Harris and
drummer Billy Higgins were among the mentors with whom she
performed. And, most recently on her latest gig, Craig Holiday
Haynes, son of legendary jazz drummer Roy Haynes, came down
from New York to sit in with her.
“I remember reading a biography of Dorothy Dandridge and it was
about how all of these people helped her along,” Zardis recalled.
“And I thought that’s what I need in my life. I need to have somebody
who believes in me,” not realizing at the time that I had all these
great people around me, including Dini Clarke,” the well-known
vocal coach for Roberta Flack, Al Jarreau, Peabo Bryson, Ernestine
Anderson, Dianne Reeves and a number of Broadway musical
stars.
Zardis, who goes professionally by her first name only, could
not help but be influenced by those musical giants she shared
the stage with, as well as those who guided her through her
formative years in local churches and schools. She grew up
in Tremé and began singing under choir director Beverly
Dupre while attending Phillis Wheatley Elementary
School.
Zardis
Pays Homage
to the
Icons of Jazz
Surrounded
by Greatness:
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