EyeShotJazz | Jazz Photography

Claudia Acuña’s at the Triple Door Wednesday night with NY pianist and longtime collaborator Jason Linder

Chilean born Claudia Acuña knew early on that she was to be a singer, though she never could have imagined she would be performing jazz in the United States. Inspired largely by Frank Sinatra, Acuña sought out the only local jazz club and soon began making a name for herself sitting in with visiting stars such as Wynton Marsalis, Michel Petrucciani, and Joe Lovano. In her early 20s, Acuña moved to New York City, where she worked for several years as a coat check at the Blue Note. Learning English, working herself into the jazz community, and performing whenever possible, Acuña truly earned the culminating record deal with Verve Records, and she hasn’t looked back since. Her voice (“the voice of an angel,” as Newsday would tell you) is an instrument of wonder. The jazz community has quickly embraced the gifted singer, and Acuña’s pure, sonorous alto voice, Spanish vocals, and ability to reinvent jazz standards to suit her personal passions in life. Claudia Acuña’s band features NY pianist and longtime collaborator Jason Linder..