Sunday, November 23, 2008

"All Things In Time" by Dennis Day (Jazz Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Vocalist Dennis Day puts a contemporary twist on many jazz classics and standards with "All Things In Time." He covers many styles within the jazz idiom including bebop, ballads, and the blues. Day is backed by a tremendously talented cast of musicians, providing both wonderful solos and support throughout. The album opens with a spirited rendition of Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol's "Caravan," which features scat singing from Day reminiscent of the great Al Jarreau. Day continues with a bouncy, swinging version of Horace Silver's classic "Sister Sadie," which is highlighted by great work from trombonist Wycliffe Gordon. "Everything Must Change" provides a gentler, tender moment, with a soulful Day singing over fine accompaniment from the pianist and flutist, with swirling brushes provided by the drummer. Another definite highlight is the "Blues Medley," which includes a grooving version of "Stormy Monday." Dennis Day covers many styles and presents a strong offering to the fan of jazz standards, blues, and bebop with "All Things In Time."
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Dennis Day's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Discovered…At Last" by Helen "Redd" Vizard (Jazz Artist from Florida(FL))

Up and coming jazz artist Helen "Redd" Vizard delivers a truly awe inspiring jazz CD with her recently released "Discovered…At Last." The vocals are outstanding and sung with such pure passionate emotion. You'll hear standard jazz covers on this CD but Redd puts her own artistic, flavorful twist to these great jazz classics. The backing musicians, The Guffman Trio, lend a stunning musical performance enhancing the lead vocals of Redd. "At Last" is a wonderful rendition of the Etta James hit with stunning and exceptional vocals. "My Funny Valentine" is so sophisticated with vocals pouring out emotional feelings and the piano enhancing the ambience of the song. Sit back and listen to an upright bass sauntering through a bass solo or a piano strolling through a bluesy chord progression. "Discovered…At Last." is definitely a relaxing compilation of familiar jazz standards with a fresh balance of jazz swing and blues.
-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out ReddE's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, November 22, 2008

"Mr. Sun" by Jude Johnstone (Jazz/Pop Artist from Los Angeles, California (CA))

"Mr. Sun" by Jude Johnstone is a easy listening/jazzy album with elements of brass instrumentation, soft drum brushes, and piano and bass in the mix. Johnstone has strong, yet touching, vocals while she sings with a variety of vocal ranges. The harmonies are sung with the same passion-filled emotions as the lead vocals. The title track, "Mr. Sun," has a cheerful Latin rhythm that makes you feel happy, with lyrics that compliment the rest of the instruments. "Don't Tell Me That It's Over" captures the feel of a nice, flowing jazz/blues song, with a soulful saxophone solo to top it off. "So Bad" is a relaxing, Jack Johnson-like track that exhibits Johnstone's vocal range. The creativity in the infusing brass instruments within songs adds texture to the band's sound, and the piano enriches the sense of a jazzy/blues style. Fans of easy listening/jazz music should definitely pick up "Mr. Sun."
-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jude Johnstone's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Shine On Me" by Sharon Gosler (Pop/Jazz Artist from the Netherlands)

"Shine On Me" is the inspiring debut album from the extremely talented singer/songwriter Sharon Gosler. She is a gifted songwriter and possesses an extremely rich, captivating voice that few can match. Whether the setting is rock, blues, pop, or jazz, Gosler shines in each style. Her songs are well-crafted, with authentic lyrics, gorgeous melodies, and thoughtful arrangements. The production is well polished, professional, and commercially appealing. From the first track "(What if I had the) Chance," her passionate delivery grabs you and doesn't let you go. Her vocals are soulful and resonant, exhibiting tremendous personality. The touching "Macy's Song" is a showcase for her wide vocal range and powerful emotion. She sings the sultry, bluesy "Your Love" with convincing and compelling attitude. The moving "Faces of yesterday" is a haunting ballad, with Gosler again displaying her immense vocal range and a soulful, passionate delivery. Sharon Gosler is a female vocalist with tremendous talent and crossover appeal, and fans of pop and jazz should definitely check out her album "Shine On Me."
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Sharon Gosler's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, November 10, 2008

"Singing the Great American Songbook" by Ron Kaplan (Easy Listening/Jazz Artist from California (CA))

"Singing the Great American Songbook" by jazz vocalist Ron Kaplan (for the American Songbook Preservation Society) is a live CD capturing the performance of a benefit concert given by Mr. Kaplan at The Kuumbwa Jazz Center on January 25, 2007. Kaplan is joined by the stellar musicians Marshall Otwell on the piano and Stan Poplin on bass. This release captures the sound and spirit of this live show beautifully, with each musician shining both individually and collectively. Kaplan has a gentle, swinging style of phrasing and his sidemen provide wonderful support and solos throughout. They begin the set with spirited interpretations of Duke Ellington's "Drop Me Off in Harlem" and "Solitude," with Kaplan in fine form. Otwell provides intelligent figures and swinging solos over Poplin's steady bass. Also included is a great rendition of Cole Porter's "I Get a Kick Out of You," with Kaplan's vocals dancing on top of the rhythmic piano of Otwell, anchored by the solid bass lines of Poplin. Another highlight is an enchanting version of Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer's "Out of This World," with soaring vocals from Kaplan and fiery solos by both Otwell & Poplin. A touching interpretation of the jazz ballad "Willow Weep for Me" showcases the trio's sensitivity. The trio closes the night with a playful performance of George & Ira Gershwin's "Love Is Here to Stay," with lively vocals from Kaplan and splashy solos contributed from both Otwell and Poplin. This concert and album is a great example of timeless material performed by three extremely talented musicians; a wonderful contribution to the Great American Songbook. Fans of male jazz vocals in the style of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett will want to check "Singing the Great American Songbook" out.
-Rodney and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Ron Kaplan 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites