Jazz vocalist Stacey Kent and her husband, tenor saxophonist Jim Tomlinson, return to Salt Lake City on Monday, March 20, at the Capitol Theatre for a concert featuring music from the "Great American Songbook."

We havent toured as much (this year)," Kent said in an interview. "Every year has a different rhythm and this year weve been smarter about our touring. Even though were relaxing, Jim and I are working on a big project. Its an orchestral composition with a 53-piece orchestra, and Jim has written some beautiful new songs.

Along with her husband and their children, she said they are relaxing, skiing and composing in Colorado.

Gordon Hanks, founder of the Jazz SLC concert series, considers Kent and Tomlinson part of his extended family.

"They are an amazing husband-and-wife team and a crowd favorite, Hanks said.

Though the idea of working day in and day out with a spouse could seem daunting to some, Kent said she relishes the experience.

Besides being husband and wife we are best friends," she said. "It sounds corny, but when we were lined up on a blind date by some friends of friends, we hit it off immediately. It was love at first sight. We liked the same music, laughed at the same things and had complete respect for each other, plus the push-pull tension we have between each other keeps things interesting. The formulas work for us.

Interestingly enough, music was not in Kents plans when she was in college, she said. She sang and enjoyed music but everything changed when she studied abroad in London, enrolled in a graduate program in music and drama, and met Tomlinson.

Had we not met, I probably would have remained in the academic world, but it all changed with that encounter," she said. "My life would have been so completely different, but when you are young, like we were, everything can change at the drop of a hat.

Kent is fluent in Portuguese, French, German and Italian and adds that to her vocalist repertoire.

Ive always been interested in language and there is something very intimate and personal if you can sing to people in their own language," she said. "My grandfather was such a pivotal mentor in my life. When I was growing up, we used to listen to all types of music together. He looked at life with such tenderness that it affected me deeply in the way I listen to music. Brazilian music resonates with us because of that intimate connection.

Rest assured, that whatever language Stacey chooses to sing, it will be heartfelt and emotional, Hanks said. She never disappoints.

If you go

What: Stacey Kent and Jim Tomlinson

When: Monday, March 20, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Capitol Theatre, 50 W. 200 South

How much: $29.50 for general, $10 for students with ID

Web: artsaltlake.org

Phone: 801-355-2787

Jeff Metcalf is a professor of English at the University of Utah and an avid jazz fan.

Originally posted here:

Stacey Kent's at home with Jazz SLC concert series - Deseret News