Natalia Zukerman (born June 25, 1975)[1] is an American artist and musician. She blends genres of blues, jazz, bluegrass and folk.

Natalia Zukerman
Natalia Zukerman and Trina Hamlin live in May 2010 at Madison, Wisconsin
Natalia Zukerman and Trina Hamlin live in May 2010 at Madison, Wisconsin
Background information
Born (1975-06-25) June 25, 1975 (age 49)
New York City, United States
GenresAmericana, blues, folk
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals, acoustic guitar, slide guitar, lap steel guitar, dobro
Years active2000–present
LabelsTalisman Records (2001–present)
Weasel Records (2008–present)
Websitewww.nataliazukerman.com

Personal life

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Zukerman was born in Manhattan, the daughter of violinist/violist/conductor Pinchas Zukerman and flutist/writer Eugenia Zukerman, and the sister of opera singer Arianna Zukerman.

In 1997 she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art at Oberlin College. Her senior thesis culminated in an exhibit of large-scale mixed media paintings.[2]

She is openly lesbian.[3]

Music and career

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Zukerman's subject matter ranges from the whimsical to the metaphysical. Often she tells stories or relates personal observations about life and relationships, but her songs are not "confessional" in nature.[4] Her vocal style reflects strong jazz influences.[5]

Zukerman plays a variety of guitars including acoustic, electric, slide guitar, dobro, lap steel guitar and banjo, but primarily focuses on her Goodall acoustic guitar[6] and vintage 1938 Rickenbacker lap steel guitar. Her guitar playing has been described as "fluid and smooth"[7] while she has also been praised for her dexterity and nimble fingers.[8]

Reflecting her varied musical roots, Zukerman cites Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie, Bonnie Raitt, Erika Luckett, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and Ani DiFranco among her musical influences.[citation needed] Her first three albums were released on her own independent record label, Talisman Records. In 2008, she released her fourth album on Willy Porter's Weasel Records label.

Along with her work as singer, songwriter and guitarist, Zukerman is also an artist, specializing in large format drawings and murals.[citation needed]

Her 2011 studio album was Gas Station Roses. The album featured many guest appearances, including Patty Larkin, Garrison Starr, Meghan Toohey (The Weepies), Adrianne Gonzalez (The Rescues), Todd Sickafoose (Ani Difranco), and Ray Bonneville. It was first released in 2011, and early orders contained original paintings or prints of paintings by Zukerman.

Discography

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Albums

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  • 2001 – Mortal Child
  • 2003 – On A Clear Day
  • 2006 – Only One
  • 2008 – Brand New Frame
  • 2011 – Gas Station Roses
  • 2014 – Come Thief, Come Fire

Collaborations

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References

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  1. ^ "Music – Natalia Zukerman". BBC. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  2. ^ "About". Off the Wall Design. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  3. ^ Sunnivie Brydum (February 1, 2013). "Natalia Zukerman and The Secret Songwriting Lesbians' Club". Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  4. ^ "Reviews: Natalia Zukerman ~ On a Clear Day". Archived from the original on November 18, 2004.
  5. ^ "The Ectophiles' Guide to Good Music – Natalia Zukerman". Ectoguide.org. May 23, 2014. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
  6. ^ Kathy S-B (May 9, 2014). "Quick Q and A with Trent Wagler (The Steel Wheels)". Meandthee.org. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 12, 2014.
  7. ^ Graham Haworth. "Natalia Zukerman". Archived from the original on January 6, 2008.
  8. ^ Cole Haddon (March 2, 2006). "Natalia Zukerman". Westword. Retrieved June 21, 2019.
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