rhiannon

Alive!  The all women’s jazz quintet, 1975 to 1985, was celebrated by the press and public as “inspirational”, “life changing”, and “amazing”.  The band, which originated in the SF Bay Area, held a unique and formative role in both women’s music and the jazz scene, historically dominated by male instrumentalists.  

With the help of the late, great Helen Keane (music manager for jazz notables including Bill Evans, Joanne Brackeen, and Paquito De Rivera), Alive! with its infectious rhythms, stunning vocals, innovative arrangements, intelligent and heartfelt original compositions, forged a road into the international jazz community playing in jazz festivals and clubs all across the United States and Canada, much to the amazement and enthusiastic reception of fans and critics alike.  Alive! has four recordings to its credit:  Alive!, Call It Jazz, City Life, and a compilation album, Always Alive!  Discography

The original members of the band include Barbara Borden on drum set and percussion, Carolyn Brandy on congas and percussion, Susanne DiVincenzo on acoustic bass and cello, and Rhiannon on vocals and percussion. Sadly, Janet Small, the original pianist for Alive! passed away in 2010.  She is forever treasured by all of us.  
About the band members

Over the years, Alive! has reunited to perform in concert and for special events.  We are very happy to announce a reunion concert series in 2015 as we celebrate our 40th year!  Joining us on piano for this series will be Tammy Hall, a favorite musician amongst San Francisco Bay Area and European audiences alike.

Back to reunion info