Fans of jazz and blues are in for a treat for the next few months. Cynthia Utterbach’s sultry voice is known throughout Europe, having been heard in stage productions, solo engagements, and even in audience for the Pope. Now she’ll be residing and performing in Singapore. The singer/songwriter speaks with MICHAEL RICHES about a musical career that knows no borders.

You’re from Los Angeles, but you have spent the past fifteen years taking some pretty good gigs in Europe. You were in the German cast of The Buddy Holly Story and performed as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. What took you to Europe and what kept you there?

My first international gig was on a ferry between Sweden and Helsinki in the dead of winter. Following that, I was hired for a stint in Belgrade as the hotel bar singer. That got me hooked on international audiences and the excitement of travelling and discovering new places.

You have just finished performing in Dubai, and now you’ll be in Singapore at the Mandarin Oriental for four months. Have you been here before?

I performed here at the Mandarin Oriental for two months last year. It was a great experience but a short one. The Singapore community was so supportive and really embraced my music. The hotel staff made my first experience a real pleasure, so I am really looking forward to returning.

Do you tour with a band?

Last year I was accompanied by American (Berlin-based) pianist Reggie Moore, one of the best musicians in the business. This year I’m again lucky to have another great talent, Woody Woods (from Las Vegas) as my musical partner. We’ve performed live and in recording studios both in Los Angeles and Germany. We have composed music together, which we will perform in Singapore.

How do audiences differ between America, Europe and Asia?

Jazz fans are alike worldwide – they love the great standards. I find it ironic that audiences love the same songs no matter what part of the globe they live in. “Fly me to the Moon” and “It’s a Wonderful World” must be sung every night.

You’re dubbed “The Jazz Storyteller”. How did that come about?

I have taught many students and workshops over the years, and people eventually came to know me for all the jazz trivia I relayed. So, I incorporated some of that storytelling into my live performances and it’s such a joy to see audiences – some with limited English comprehension – sit in silence listening to the history. I am very honoured to be a part of keeping jazz alive.

How often do you go back to the US?

I go back to the States for a few weeks every two years or so, and I’m not keen on moving back just yet, although I do miss my family and friends. There is so much I still need to see in the world!

Have you recorded any CDs?

I have made several CDs in Europe, which are available online. My biggest success to date is Close Your Eyes, recorded in Holland with my German band at the time. My latest will be ready soon, recorded with the fabulous band from the Oriental Hotel Bangkok.

Cynthia Utterbach can be heard at the Axis Bar and Lounge, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 5 Raffles Avenue, until 30 October. Her CDs will be available at the venue. Hear some of her tunes at www.myspace.com/cynthiautterbach.