"Fun Out of Life" by April Hall (Jazz Artist from Boston, Massachusetts(MA))

"Fun Out of Life" is the most recent release from the fabulous and highly talented Jazz vocalist, April Hall. Hall's voice has the ability to not only be in constant key but also adds considerable spice to each variety of Jazz song she attempts; which range from soulful ballads, to bluesy renditions, to high energy pieces. In "Crazy He Calls Me," April interacts with some well played Jazz piano and just a dash of drums to deliver a mellow tune that shows off how her voice can be warm and inviting. Another song, "Boogie Woogie Blues (I May Be Wrong)" Hall gets a little groovier with a toe tapping, more Bluesy beat accompanied by a dynamic singing style. Then the song, "The Face I Love" we find a more traditional Jazz piece that features a fluttering flute line that subtlety jumps around Hall's velvety vocals. If you like Jazz for its pure musicianship or for how it can at times settle you down and take your mind back to another era, then you should acquaint yourself with April Hall and her singing prowess featured on the album, "Fun Out of Life."

-Sean B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out April Hall's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Empty Swings" by Jeff Callahan (Spoken Word/Jazz Artist from New Jersey(NJ))

Bringing poetry to life, "Empty Swings," creatively composed by Jeff Callahan brilliantly blends spoken word with Jazz Fusion. Each track features Callahan verbalizing life and nature with a voice that is soft and gentle. Callahan paints pictures with lyrics like "...wildly rummaging through button-down clouds and in pot bellied raindrops smothering the haunted beating of your nightstand clock" on the track "Sweet Dreams Earth." Even though the album is focused around the spoken poems, the instrumental background deserves credit as the cast of musicians deftly perform with emotive tonality. For instance, listen as the sweet and tender electric piano and soulful saxophone cascade around the poetic words on "Slide, Slide, Slide." "Empty Swings" gives a listener great imagery with its poetic words and is complemented by wonderful music making it an album well worth having.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jeff Callahan's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Venice Sci-fi" by Ari Dane Easy Listening/ Jazz Artist from CA

Like nothing you've ever heard before, Ari Dane will surprise you with his latest album, "Venice Sci-fi." Dane sings with a classic baritone voice that is well balanced and is heard over clean and crisp sounds that are created and layered one track at a time. He touches on island beats, lounge, 80's rap, and big band styles, while keeping his sci-fi tonality undertone. His old style vocals are highlighted on "The Bartender's Point of View" while offering some lyrics that are quite entertaining. The title track "Venice Sci-fi" is aptly named since it sounds like 1950's style green aliens have landed in Italy and started writing music. The album is also splattered with instrumental tracks to give his voice a break. If you're interested in hearing something completely unique, and love the low crooning of a lounge singer, Ari Dane and his album, “Venice Sci-fi" is just for you.

-Matt M. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team

Check out Ari Dane's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Check out Dennis Day, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Dennis Day

 

 

Band Name: Dennis Day
Band Location: New York
Sounds Like: Al Jarreau
Visit Band's Website: click here

Check out Redd, one of RadioIndy's favorite Jazz artists

Radioindy Artist Spotlight for Redd

 

 

Band Name: Redd
Band Location: Florida
Sounds Like: Etta James
Visit Band's Website: click here

RadioIndy is pleased to present Swingadelic with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Another Monday Night "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Swingadelic with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Another Monday Night "

On "Another Monday Night," the latest CD from Swingadelic, the accomplished "little" big band from the NY area shines as an ensemble as much as they do a collection of prolific soloists, proving the timelessness of sparkling and proficient jazz in an era when it sometimes feels like the great American invention has been marginalized. Bristling with solos of melody and bravura – like the stratospheric tenor of "Dance With You" or the deft piano skills of the "Puttin' On the Ritz"-like "Early Morning Special" – this group resembles no less a band (though half the size) than the famed Count Basie Orchestra, investing each number with volleys of inspired but precise mayhem. Can they swing? Absolutely! Their take on Ellington's "The Gal From Joe's" is insistent and nuanced. Can they get down and dirty? The dynamics of the Basie-esque "Buddy's Thang" make that a resounding "yes." What about the blues? They've got it covered. "Busy Body Blues" and "Big Band Blues" are steeped in the language and phraseology of the idiom's best practitioners. They do vocals too: "Back In New York City" is an excellent original, praising the city that never sleeps with a treatment that is both classic and contemporary – or, if you will, timeless. The music and playing on Swingadelic's latest disc "Another Monday Night," will want you hearing more of this swinging jazz with the kind of flair, melody, and dynamics to stir the heart and move the feet.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Swingadelic 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Happy Talk"

RadioIndy is pleased to present Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Happy Talk"

Twirling Jonathan Katz's nimble and deft piano accompaniment around her finger like an alluring chanteuse, Andrea Hopkins explores Vocal Jazz styles in a voice as emotive as it is beguiling on their engaging and very fine CD, "Happy Talk." Tackling a collection of primarily Great American Songbook standards – from Hoagy Carmichaels' "The Nearness of You," to Harold Arlen's immortal "Over the Rainbow," to Ray Noble's "Cherokee," Hopkins & Katz neatly strike a balance between provocative interpretations and familiar readings, proving how much life is still left in these old warhorses. Nevertheless, covering such standards as these (as well as "Bye Bye Blackbird" or "Misty") can be a double-edged sword for performers, exposing - as it does, new renditions to the harsh glow of comparison (i.e., to the Sinatra's, Fitzgerald's, and Garlands et al whose voices defined the songbook.) To their credit, the duo handles the challenge with assurance and no lack of self- confidence. Hopkins' voice is equal parts sultry, evocative, and pitch perfect, while Katz' keys delve the melodic and harmonic possibilities of these classic tunes with intelligence and nuance, but always in a manner that allows Hopkins room to interpret. In sum, the combined talents and sheer musicality of Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz make "Happy Talk" an endearing and completely satisfying CD.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Andrea Hopkins & Jonathan Katz 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"World Goes Round" by Mike Miller Quintet (Rock/Jazz Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

Fascinating and brilliant are only just some words to describe the fabulous Progressive Jazz/Rock compositions of "World Goes Round" by the highly talented musicians of the Mike Miller Quintet. This entire album is maximum creativity at its best and runs full throttle with its melodic melodies brimming with progressive modern touches. Outstanding production as the bright crisp horns on "Mambo Jambo" shine with clean and crisp clarity while the lively and bouncy rhythm will have you dancing off your feet. The whimsical song "Walkin' The Dog (Promenade)" is reminiscent of a classic throwback to the big band era and is sure to bring a smile from ear to ear on your face. You'll be knocked off your feet by the amazing and edgy rock solid guitar solo on "The Good Guys" as you can feel the fire and fury coming from the fret board. You will be delighted by the spectacular music of "World Goes Round" as it is a must have addition to your collection of fresh and vibrant Jazz/Rock CD's.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Mike Miller Quintet's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Thoughts and Recollections" by Claude Werner Quartet (Jazz Artist from Great Britain)

You will be mesmerized by the stunning and expressive Jazz compilations on "Thoughts and Recollections" by the Claude Werner Quartet. Werner, a brilliant tenor saxophonist, performs with rich and emotive sensitivity as you can feel his dynamics rise and gently recede on these melodic melodies. His fellow musicians are well focused and reveal the chemistry they have as a whole as they perform with tight, well rehearsed precision. Breathing with an airy ambiance of smooth and silky vibes, "Good Ol' Days" invites reflections of memories of times past. The counterpoint of the bass embellishes the mood of "Day Dreaming" while the sax displays a polished and charming tonality. Jazz improvisation is at its best when you hear the delectable song "Conversations with D" running away with smooth and precise dexterity. Relax and enjoy listening to the fabulous, warm and inviting jazz songs on "Thoughts and Recollections."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Claude Werner Quartet's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

RadioIndy is pleased to present Flora Ware with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Insight "

RadioIndy is pleased to present Flora Ware with a GrIndie Award for the CD "Insight "

Highly talented in the arts, singer/songwriter Flora Ware reaches well beyond the roots of jazz with her smooth vocal style on her latest album "Insight." Ware's voice is impressive with pure and polished clarity, yet there is a wonderful silky and sultry taste to it. She projects her voice with clean articulation only to be complemented by the dynamic and well-balanced instruments. Molded for a night club scene with a soft and subtle atmosphere, "You Don't Know What Love Is" is sweet and has sophisticated elegance. Feel the relaxed orchestrated production on "I've Never Been In Love Before" as the horns dance around Ware's graceful vocals and stunning lyrics. Flora Ware's "Insight" is an album that has the versatility to mix jazz with R&B and pop with progressive, modern touches. This treasure of exquisite jazz songs will have listeners wanting more of this gifted artist, and is an album well worth listening to.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Flora Ware 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites