Jazz singer to perform after tree lighting

Martha Bassett will perform in Gaffney on Dec. 6 Martha Bassett sits on the corner of the music universe where traditional country songs meet jazz and Christmas music.

Bassett has drawn her influences from performers and musical styles, ranging from country music legend Hank Williams to jazz and swing. She will present a mixture of these music styles at her Dec. 5 concert in the newly renovated Capri Theater in Gaffney.

The Winston-Salem, N.C., native will perform at 6:15 p.m. following the lighting of the city's Christmas tree. She is scheduled to play again at 8:15 p.m. North Carolina residents have been familiar with Bassett's singing for quite some time now. The singer has seen her audience expand in the past couple years in the Southeast due to increased touring, her work on the movie "Junebug" and festival appearances.

Bassett was the music coordinator for church scenes for the 2005 independent film "Junebug." Actress Amy Adams received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actress for her performance.

It was Bassett's ability as a jazz singer that caught the attention of Gaffney resident Jim Cudd when he was booking entertainment for the City of Gaffney's Christmas concert.

"Martha is a really talented jazz singer," Cudd said. "When I heard her voice for the first time, I knew she would be a great choice to play at the Christmas concert. I hope people will really enjoy hearing her perform."

Bassett left Winston- Salem, N.C., Saturday for a week of touring that will take her to Chicago, Virginia and Ohio. She is currently touring the East Coast while she prepares to release her new CD "Moonshine & Starlight" in February.

Bassett has been performing full-time for 12 years. Although she started out singing jazz, Bassett said her music has moved in the direction of country swing and Americana music in recent years.

"I am excited to come to Gaffney. I enjoy traveling to different areas and performing in places where I have never been before," Bassett said. "I love playing in small towns. I love the intimate feel that you get performing before an audience. People receive the music more generously."