Sunday, November 23, 2008

"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

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

"New Beginning... About Time" by Dola (Spiritual/Easy Listening Artist from Maryland (MD))

"New Beginning... About Time" is a well-crafted contemporary gospel album brought to you by the talented singer Dola. Her vocal style can be described as operatic with hints of traditional African. The sounds skillfully arranged behind her are a combination of gospel, R&B, and jazz. The entire package makes for a truly unique experience and a very full and complete sound. There are many layers in each song, and everything seems to fall right into place. The album also sounds great and is ready for the radio. The album opener "New Song" kicks things off with a bang, introducing the full spectrum of the sound. The title track "New Beginning" features a wicked guitar intro and reels you right in with catchy lyrics and a powerful message. "Baba Ogo Ye O" hits you with a very accomplished jazz arrangement, then breaks down to allow a soft and sultry vocal performance by Dola. If you enjoy well-crafted gospel albums that fuse styles headed by diva quality vocals, you will certainly enjoy "New Beginning… About Time."
-William & the RadioIndy Review Team
Check out Dola'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