REVIEW: The Capital Region Vocal Jazz Vanguard takes on The Van Dyck Music Club
03/08 @ The Van Dyck, Schenectady
“Every artist on that stage left their mark, creating a night that was equal parts intimate and electric.”
The Capital Region Vocal Jazz Vanguard took the stage at the Van Dyck Music Club on March 8th, offering a masterclass in raw talent and stage chemistry.
The night kicked off with the mesmerizing Cami Sepulveda and the Nat Mussman Trio. Camilla Sepulveda as their singer, Nat Mussman on keys, Vincent Marotta on bass, and Isaac Nokes on drums delivered a performance that was equal parts fun and sultry. The whole group sounded like the feeling of a freshly dry-cleaned tuxedo, still warm from the press, classy, sharp, and refined.
A favorite moment of mine was when the band launched into the jazz classic, “A Sunday Kind of Love”. Sepulveda’s voice turned bold and velvety, straight out of a 1950s blues club. There was raw emotion, vulnerability, and soul for the whole room to feel. The trio followed her lead with Mussman’s chords taking us on a slow walk while we followed Sepulveda’s voice; Marrotta slipped into a catchy blues groove on bass, and Nokes’ drums carried the whole flow with a steady pulse. It was so intoxicating, it left me thinking, “Goddamn, I want a Sunday kind of love too.”
And just when I thought I had them figured out, they flipped the script again, this time with a jaw-dropping rendition of Chick Corea’s, “La Fiesta”. It was a musical explosion, each player throwing themselves into their instrument like their lives depended on it. The crowd sat stunned as the trio blew through complex time signatures and lightning-paced rhythms like it was nothing. The chemistry? Off the damn charts.
Then, the stage welcomed Kaitlyn Fay, Jeanine Ouderkirk, and Tyler Thomas who each brought their own magic to the night.
Fay was straight out of a Broadway dream. The stage was hers the moment she stepped onto it, and she leaned into that theatrical energy with full force. Every song felt like a scene in a musical and every note carried the weight of a full production behind it. Her vocals had this light and fun quality, like a passing breeze that sweeps you up and carries you along for the ride. And when she sang “You’re Worthy” — an original — it hit. Hard. It was one of those moments that made you stop, made you listen, and made you feel something real.
Thomas had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. He didn’t just sing, he performed. He cracked jokes, made eye contact, and played with the audience like a pro. His voice was smooth as hell, classic, and full of charm. He gave us a great mix of songs, but “Rhode Island is Famous for You” was a highlight, hands down. He took us on a ride with it, making it feel like a conversation, or a shared inside joke between him and everyone in the room. Effortless charisma. Pure fun.
And then there was Ouderkirk, who took us on an entire journey of her own. The range was insane, her control was unreal, and the emotion was almost too much to bear. When she was into it, you could see it in the way she moved – swaying, feeling every note, completely lost in the music. And when she hit us with some scatting, it was game over. Her performances of “Small Day Tomorrow” and “Slow Hot Wind” had all the highs, all the lows, all the drama and depth you want out of jazz. She gave us everything and then some.
I was lucky enough to be seated next to Rick and Lynette, a fabulous couple and longtime jazz lovers who had nothing but glowing praise for the venue, the artists, and the Capital Region jazz scene. They knew their stuff, and honestly? They were right. The musicians weren’t just talented; they were warm, engaging, and more than willing to chat with attendees after their sets.
David Gleason was an absolute force on the keys, Dave Shoudy held it down flawlessly on bass, and Bob Halek was a wizard on the drums. Every artist on that stage left their mark, creating a night that was equal parts intimate and electric.
The Van Dyck itself is a gem, the kind of venue that instantly feels like home. Their upcoming lineup is stacked, and if this night was any indication, I’ll be back, no question about it. If you haven’t dipped your toes into the Capital Region’s jazz scene yet, consider this your official invitation. You won’t regret it.
For more information on The Van Dyck Music Club and upcoming events, visit https://www.stellapastabar.com/vdmc.