MANATEE--Cynthia Sayer is regarded as one of the top 4-string banjoists in the world today. A member of Woody Allen's jazz band for over 10 years, Cynthia's solo career has taken her well beyond these New Orleans roots to become an acclaimed bandleader and guest artist. Like all great musicians, she has a style all her own plus she is a respected singer. Her eclectic repertoire ranges from swing and hot jazz to tango, western, classical, and more. Cynthia Sayer will be playing a variety of music at a concert Monday evening March 15 at the Players Theater in Sarasota beginning at 8:00 p.m.
Ms. Sayer has worked with a variety of leading jazz and popular artists including Dick Hyman at the Sarasota Jazz Festival. She began playing the banjo at age 13, when, after begging her parents for a drum set, she one day discovered a banjo on her bed.
Cynthia's extensive career includes performances in New York City's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, playing for two U.S. Presidents, appearing with The New York Philharmonic, feature film and TV soundtracks including "Anything Else," Bullets Over Broadway," "Purple Rose Of Cairo," "Sophie's Choice," "The Cosby Mysteries," TV commercials and radio jingles, and numerous national TV and radio show appearances in the USA and abroad.
I spoke with Cynthia Sayer about her career and upcoming concert and that interview is posted below.