Yuko Ito is reviewed by Cashbox Magazine

Yuko Ito Mania De Voce Funny Baby Face Record

Soul Reviewed 6/21/10 Yuko Ito Mania De Voce Authentic soul can come from all corners of the globe. Regardless of the language spoken or instruments played, soul has survived the ages and is alive and well in the music world today. Yuko Ito is here to share her gifts with the world, and "Mania De Voce" is head and shoulders above the rest. Featuring all the best elements of international music, "Mania De Voce" is a sonic explosion on the summer charts. Certain to place highly on both traditional soul/R&B charts as well as digital downloads, this album is likely to have a very good year. Without a weak song throughout, "Mania De Voce" is a great example of a complete album from an artist that has their audience's ear and heart in mind when laying down their music. Give Yuko Ito's "Mania De Voce" a listen today. Christopher Llewellyn Adams

Chris Graham is featured in Columbia Magazine

Deep Fryed Acoustiblasters are reviewed by All About Vocals

All About Vocals.com

Deep Fryed Acoustiblasters
Self Titled/Self Released
Reviewed By: -Constance Tucker

Midwest based Deep Fryed Acoustiblasters is truly a band of seasoned professionals and musical genius. An exciting mixture of Bluegrass, and all its many acoustic brethren, this simply delightful offering features Grammy winning special guest Michael Cleveland on Fiddle.

There are thirteen well-crafted cuts for the listener to enjoy, twelve of them penned by the band members and an enchanting version of the traditional instrumental, "Beaumont Rag."

Today we are going to examine this very cut. Right from the start, the group grabs the listener and takes them on a journey, beginning with a cut properly titled "Barnburner." Out of the gate, from the instrumentation to the vocals, it has a pace which seems to leave the listener breathless in its musical running. The dexterity of each player is evident from the onset. The chemistry and interaction between each player spills over creating deep colors and textures upon the musical palette.

While it is clear that the Deep Fryed Acoustiblasters primary focus is original works and improvisational ventures, the traditional flavorings of the finest Bluegrass masterpieces find their way into this versatile CD. So get your griddle ready and prepare to get Deep Fryed.

Roger Cairns is reviewed by LA Jazz Scene

Written by Glenn A. Mitchell, LA Jazz Scene

Roger Cairns©Curt Sletten Vocalist Roger Cairns has been singing for many years. He has delivered many shows of the Great American Songbook to several jazz venues in the L.A. region. This particular evening, August 7th, was the release of his third CD, Dream of Olwen, at Café 322 in Sierra Madre. Cairns has collaborated with fine pianist Gary Fukushima, for several years. The rest of the quintet included Tony White – tenor sax, Dave Tranchina – bass and Keita Akutsu – drums. Cairns and Fukushima began the evening with three songs from the new CD, all performed as duo: “Where Do You Start” (Johnny Mandel), “I’m in Love Again” (Cy Coleman/Peggy Lee), and the title track, “Dream of Olwen” (Charles Williams). Cairns’s voice is deep, shows passionate integrity and is convincingly warm. After introductions of the quintet members, they continued with a number by Jack Marshall and late great Peggy Lee, “Things Are Swinging.” Some fine musicianship ensued from everyone’s solos. White was featured on his tenor in a Latin rendition of “To the Ends of the Earth,” which reminded me of a beautiful version performed by the great George Shearing from earlier years with his Latin Lace Quintet. These guys played very well together and backed Cairns quite securely. Quintet©Glenn A. Mitchell “They Say It’s Wonderful” (Irvin Berlin), “The Face I Love” (Ray Gilbert), “Solitary Moon” (Johnny Mandel), “Blackberry Winter” (Alec Wilder), “That Sunday, That Summer” (Joe Sherman/George Weiss) and “Lullaby of Birdland” (George Shearing/George Weiss) were vocal highlights and standouts of the entire evening. The quintet also played several numbers, making them shine musically as well, before closing the last set: “St. Thomas” (Sonny Rollins), “Take the Coltrane” (Ellington/Coltrane) and the gorgeous “Beatrice,” (Sam Rivers). I was impressed by a longer amazing piano solo from Fukushima on “Take the Coltrane.” The audience was very attentive; however, I wish there would have been a few more patrons for this particular Saturday evening. This room is a good one for jazz musical presentations. There are too few male jazz vocalists today. Roger Cairns is one that deserves much more attention. See his website: www.rogercairns.com for activities and his fine CDs. See Café 322’s website: www.cafe322.com. Their Italian cuisine is the best!!

David Leonhardt is reviewed by All About Jazz New York

All About Jazz New York

September | No. 101
Review By: Thomas Conrad

The collision and commingling between classical music and jazz has a long and complex history. Countless jazz musicians have tried to play with one foot in each camp. It is not necessarily dismissive to call these undertakings ‘jazzin’ the classics’. Sometimes they create high class entertainment. What pianist David Leonhardt mostly does on Bach to the Blues is take pieces like Chopin mazurkas, Pachelbel canons and Beethoven adagios and pretend they were always intended for jazz musicians to blow on. Sometimes he chooses works so firmly established in popular culture that they are effectively standards, like Debussy’s “Claire De Lune” and Schubert’s “Ave Maria”. Leonhardt’s crisp, taut trio (bassist Matthew Parrish and drummer Alvester Garnett) syncopates them directly and naturally into jazz and gives them tasteful, heartfelt, elegant embellishment.

But some sources, like three Bach preludes, do not alchemize into jazz quite so readily and are therefore the most interesting. On “Prelude in G Major”, the rendering of the theme is clean and relatively straight (if Bach with a wicked Parrish bassline could be considered straight), but then Leonhardt takes a hard left turn and breaks into a bluesy swing. It is a startling, exhilarating release. But just as the listener begins to relax into this new groove Leonhardt quick edits back to arpeggiated Baroque, then kicks out and swings again. He finds ways to embed suggestions of Bach in his improvisations, but he is less interested in integration than in celebrating how oil and water can be stubbornly, creatively, juxtaposed.

Bach to the Blues works because Leonhardt is an appealing pianist with enthusiasm, polish and wit.

Dave Anderson is reviewed by Jazz Inside Magazine

REVIEW BY : Susan Frances

Dave Anderson And Mike Wingo Collaborate On Conversations

Genre: Jazz – Improvisation

Personnel: Dave Anderson – piano, Mike Wingo – percussion

Tracks: It Might As Well Be Spring, Gentle Rain, I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, Lucky Southern, Song Of You, Autumn Leaves, Spring Is Here, La Fiesta, Sunrise, In A Sentimental Mood, Light Of Darkness, If You Never Come To Me

The rapport between pianist Dave Anderson and percussionist Mike Wingo shows a freestyle fluidity that oscillates between agile bantering and gingerly feathered strokes. Their latest collaboration Conversations from the label Dave Anderson Music displays the duo’s expressive combinations and vigorous crisscrossing. Bending and twisting around each other, Anderson and Wingo travel alongside one another like two old friends who enjoy each other’s company.

The duo’s parts are segmented so the sway of the subdued bongo beats along “Gentle Rain” is interlaced with the sedate pulsations of the piano keys. The merriment ejected through “It Might As Well Be Spring” is piston by jiggling keys and wobbling beats as the softly strutted keys of “Song Of You” ring like a gentle soliloquy and the twinkling chimes of “Autumn Leaves” engulf the listener in a pleasing atmosphere. The bewildering arrangement of sprigs sprawled across “Lucky Southern” show the duo’s inclination for impromptu bouts, and the elegantly layered strands of “I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face” weave chambers of warm sensations. The mellow mood of “Sunrise” is soothing to the spirit, while the tottering keys of “La Fiesta” produce a flirtatious rhythm that compliments the gyrating beats of the percussion.

Dave Anderson and Mike Wingo’s rapport is emblematic of friends who understand where the other one is coming from while being able to add on new ideas and impromptu attachments. Their exchanges are spontaneous while keeping within the themes of the tracks. Their combinations are all natural and well-crafted to project an intended image in each piece putting a vivid picture in the mind’s eye from track to track.

Michael C. Lewis is reviewed by Jazz Inside Magazine

REVIEW BY: Susan Frances

Michael C. Lewis Shines On Reflection CD

Genre: Jazz – Smooth

Personnel: Michael C. Lewis - trumpet/flugelhorn, lead and backing vocals, William Heagy - keyboards, Alva Nelson - piano, William Patterson - guitar, Jeanne Ricks - guitar, Wendell Brooks - programming, Rakiem Walker - tenor saxophone, Gerald Trottman - programming

Tracks: Reflection (Sunrise), Gulf Breeze, I Need Your Love, I Dedicate My Heart, Cloud Parade, In The Night Time, Night Fall, Miles To Go, We’ve Only Just Begun, Kid Time, Reflection (Sunset)

The R&B swagger of Michael C. Lewis’ trumpet is entrancing as he travels without inhibitions through his new CD Reflection. Collaborating with music programmer Wendell Brooks and Grammy Award engineer Jeff Jones (best contemporary blues record), Reflection is an album that presents the positive facets of human nature from the balladry lilt of “I Need Your Love” to the buoyant rhythm of “Kid Time.” Lewis makes music that sings to the soul mollifying the senses with soft wafting currents and ambient aesthetics.

The title track has two parts: “Sunrise” which is populated by gently pillared embers, and “Sunset” which is raftered in glittery synths and arching trumpet furls. The two tracks contrast each other and yet harmonize like the ancient concept of yin and yang. The swooning strokes of “We’ve Only Just Begun” caramelize with the tricking synths while the funky grooves of “Miles To Go” are steepled by the trotting notes of Lewis’ horn. The reposing feel of “Night Fall” is accentuated by the serene fluidity of Lewis’ breezy horn whirls, and the prancing keys flittering across “Gulf Breeze” produce frothy loops.

Lewis also sings on a few tracks like “In The Night Time” and “I Dedicate My Heart.” The bluesy soul timbres of his register embrace the dance grooves of “In The Night Time” as he alludes, “In the night time / It always come out right.” The soft twined melodic patterns of “I Dedicate My Heart” suspend Lewis’ vocals in plush atmospherics with words that vow, “Nights of pleasure without measure / I dedicate my heart and soul to you.”

Lewis shows that he is unabashedly a genuine romantic. His CD Reflection is abound with smooth soul harmonic forms and funk-based rhythmic patterns. Reposing and stimulating, Reflection has everything that smooth jazz enthusiasts crave for in their choice of music.

Harvie S is reviewed by Jazz Inside Magazine

08/28/10 • Albums • By Susan Frances

Harvie S Takes Audiences To Cocolamus Bridge

Cocolamus Bridge is bassist Harvie S’s latest offering and features an ensemble of musicians who brush gorgeous tones and harmonious swirls into Harvie’s tunes. Produced by Harvie S and his guitarist Chris Cortez, Cocolamus Bridge is an album comprised of worldly influences from the Irish folk lilts of “Eili Gheal Chiuin” to the Afro Cuban rustling of “Coco Loco.” Whether Harvie is portraying woeful narratives or festive moods, he does so with the finesse of an artist whose music possesses facets that speak people from around the world.

Most times, Harvie plays the bass as if it was a guitar, picking and fondling at its strings and bowing them into vibrating arcs like in the meditative strolls of “Eili Gheal Chiuin.” The glittering wind-chimes in the undertow of the title track is complimented by the gentle input of pensive bass strokes and illuminating piano keys from Jose Miguel Yamal as Woody Witt’s saxophone wafts in and out of the progressions and Chris Cortez’s guitar showers the tune in lounging riffs while Joel Fulgham’s drumming remains malleable to the rhythm and curves of the instruments.

The upbeat strut of “Courage” injects a supper club ambience into the album while the Latin-tinged tendrils of “Coco Loco” infuse a dance vibe moving to a salsa beat. The weighty mood of “Night Dreamer” is haloed by the light spurts of the saxophone contrasting the hip swaying riffs of “To Bea” which produce a charming interaction of bubbling bass pulls and energetic keys. The track is dedicated to Harvie’s mother Beatrice and sets the album on a course which celebrates life as it is followed by the Latin-inspired swirls of “Ike (Take A Hike)” featuring percussionist James Metcalfe. The album closes out with the fluid lifts of “Truth And Beauty” suffused with sleek saxophone twirls and sprinkled in buoyant keys.

Harvie S lets his rapport with his musicians shine in these tracks. His use of world music influences is engaging and adds vitality to the repertoire. He is an artist who sets an objective and reaches beyond expectations. Cocolamus Bridge is an album that speaks to people from around the globe connecting the corners of the world through music.

Henry Darragh is reviewed by Jazz Times

08/28/10 • Albums • By Wilbert Sostre
CD Review: Henry Darragh - Tell her for me
Featured Artist: Henry Darragh
CD Title: Tell her for me
Year: 2010
Record Label: Independent
Style: Jazz Vocals

Musicians: Henry Darragh (vocals, piano, trombone), Seth Paynter (sax), Carol Morgan (trumpet), Erin Wright (guitar, bass), Glen Ackerman (bass), Chuck Payne (drums)

Review: There are some great male singers in the history of jazz like Louis Armsrong Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and more recently Harry Connick Jr. but male jazz singers have always been a minority. Well there’s a new name to add to the list, talented singer, composer, piano and trombone player Henry Darragh.

Usually jazz singers prefer to record recognized jazz standards instead of original compositions. Henry Darragh chose the hard way, recording mostly originals on his album Tell her for me.

Tell her for me have a perfect balance between swinging tunes like Tell her for me and Hey there and slower, romantic tunes like Dream boxes, Missing you and Everything happens to me.

Henry strength as a composer is his ability to write about situations everyone can identify with. For example Regret is a song about the regrets of being afraid to talk to a woman you like, just to ask yourself later, what if?

Once in a while lyrics are another good example, this time the question “is that special person thinking about even if it is just once in a while?” Master trumpet player Carol Morgan plays a great solo on this one.

As a singer, Darragh voice is similar in tone and phrasing to Harry Connick Jr. The album also includes the instrumental piece Early, where everyone has a chance to show their improvisation skills, including Henry Darragh on trombone.

Tell her for me is an excellent debut album for this multitalented singer/musician/composer.

Tracks: Hey there, Regret, Everything happens to me, Once in a while, Early, Dream boxes, Missing you, Tell her for me, Wrong ending, Look for the silver lining, The Harvard dictionary of music song

Artist's Website: http://www.henrydarragh.com

Robert Branch is Reviewed by Jazz Times

08/28/10 • Albums • By Wilbert Sostre
CD Review: Robert Branch - Courage to be
Featured Artist: Robert Branch
CD Title: Courage to be
Year: 2010
Style: Fusion

Musicians: Robert Branch (guitar), David Gonzalez (bass), Tim Zhorne (drums)

Review: Robert Branch new album Courage to be, takes me back to a time when I dreamed of being the next rock guitar legend, playing my electric guitar and listening to the masters of that era, like Edie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani.

Robert Branch tone, licks and improvisations reminds me of Satriani sound, especially on the first track Courage to be and in the riffs and rhythms of North of center. Robert technique is impressive and his solos ideas flow with ease.

The Veil within with nice tempo changes and Delirium are tracks full of energy and cool riffs. Some of the tracks have a funk groove like Rhythm schism and Never do well. Some are slower pieces like Exodus of discipline, Lullaby for D and Letting go, with beautiful melodies and harmonies, probably dedicated to his mom.

Fans of electric guitar and good music will equally enjoy Robert Branch Courage to be.

Tracks: Courage to be, North of center, Letting go, Rhythm schism, Exodus of discipline, The veil within, Never do well, Backyard hallucination, Delirium, Lullaby for D

Jennifer Zarine is making her mark at Roots Music Report

Newcomer Jennifer Zarine is continuing to win over hearts at radio nationally and internationally, her eclectic mix of rare, timeless jazz standards and classic rock songs with a fresh jazzy twist, all tied together to create a vintage sound! Inspired by love for her family, friends and tea, Jennifer Zarine manages to blend classic romance with a mysterious quirk continues to chart for the 4th week at Roots Music Report (RMR). Peaking at #13 so far, Jennifer is featured alongside many label names this week.

“Orange Colored Sky” kicks off the disc with a fun flavored classic in a swingin’ style, that is in keeping with the spirit it was written in, by composer’s Milton DeLugg and Willie Stein, published in 1950. The best-known version of the song was recorded by Nat King Cole (with Stan Kenton's orchestra). Zarine’s version has a retro-authenticity that gives the treatment an apparent charm.

“Have a Cuppa Tea,” a Ray Davies original made famous by the Kinks, opens with a whistling tea pot; enter Zarine, who playfully takes us on a journey explaining the importance of fun with tea. Not only is tea a cure all, but Zarine’s interpretation of the well-crafted and witty lyrics prove the theory, if your foot is not tapping by now, you are a true HUM-BUG! and need to turn up your FUN-DIAL.

“Paint it Black,” written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, is a mainstay Rolling Stones classic. Zarine gives this childhood favorite a complete facelift, creating a modern day sound that is warm, inviting and reminiscent of a Norah Jones recording.

“Sleep” is a Zarine original, filled with visions of far away places, and dreams of tomorrows. Zarine calls a surreal lullaby onto the sonic canvas, with dashes of color splashed throughout to transport the listener to a place of relaxation and serenity.

The last cut on the disc is, “That’s All,” an intimate duet rendition featuring Zarine and guitarist Eric Lindberg. This arrangement gives the listener the chance to experience Zarine in an exposed organic setting, allowing the song to have a chance to breath and Zarine’s vocals the opportunity to touch your heart.

Zarine has captured the essence of a timeless recording with an air of yesterday laced throughout, instantly giving you the feeling of being transported to another time. Fresh Made
Cuppa Tea is a collection of fun, exuberant, touching and witty songs that are at times quirky, at times serious, and most of all, just plain fun. So grab a freshly made cupper and Zarine’s new CD, it’s the perfect anti-dote guaranteed to be just the right ingredient needed to spice up your day! Drink it in!!

Harvie S is reviewed by Straight No Chaser

Harvie S and the Joys of the Understated Bass Player

Review By: Jeffrey Siegel

These days, the pyrotechnics of a Stanley Clarke or Victor Wooten are what comes to mind when thinking of what a bass player brings to the bandstand as a leader. That’s one reason that it’s refreshing that Harvie S. (born Harvie Swartz) isn’t afraid to take melodic solos or simply fade into the texture of a song. Working with a group of musicians he calls his “ Texas Band”, the sextet of Harvie on bass, Chris Cortez on guitar, Woody Witt on saxophone, Jose Miguel Yamal on piano, Joel Fulgham on drums and James Metcalf on percussion, play a mixture of covers and originals with vitality and sensitivity on Cocolamus Bridge (available on Blue Bamboo Music).

There’s a Latin tinge to many of the cuts, including “Coco Loco” and “Truth and Beauty”, but always with a subtle sway. The title track comes across as something that Pat Metheny (with whom Harvie has collaborated in the past) might play in his more mellow moods. The solo piece, “Eili Gheal Chiuin”, takes an Irish folk tune and turns it into almost a lullaby when Harvie picks up the bow.

There’s much to like here, with a special nod to saxophonist Witt. His duet with Harvie on Wayne Shorter’s “Night Dreamer” is worthy of the master himself.

Master Bassist Harvie S - Still Charting!!

Master bassist Harvie S, is featured on over 350 recordings as a leader and sideman. These recordings include his work with an enormous variety of artistic voices such as James Brown, Kenny Barron, Chick Corea, Tom Harrell, Sheila Jordan, Steve Kuhn, Pat Martino, David Mathews, Virginia Mayhew, Pucho and the Latin Soul Brothers, Anat Cohen, Tyshawn Sorey, Mike Stern, Donny McCaslin, John Scofield, Dr. Billy Taylor, Yusef Lateef and Grover Washington Jr. Clearly he can add depth to any ensemble setting.

But what even surpasses that role is his ability to be a leader. He has surpassed the phrase "side-man" with a discography as a leader spanning from 1980 to 2010. His ability to wear both hats with stellar result is the key ingredient to this highly accomplished, musically diverse master bassist. Truly seasoned, truly apt, and truly talented would only be putting it mildly.

His latest release on Blue Bamboo records has charted at Jazzweek for 9 weeks and on the CMJ Jazz Chart for 8 weeks thus far. If for some reason you have not heard Harvie S, well sit back and let us introduce the real Harvie S, its worth every moment.

Chris Graham Continued to Chart at CMJ for 6 weeks

Chris Graham continues to chart at CMJ on the Jazz Chart; now for 6 weeks and he is still in the Top 20. Peaking at #4 so far. Go Chris Go!!

Robert Branch debuts on the CMJ Jazz Chart at #28

Robert Branch has found his Courage to Be

Jazz-Rock guitarist Robert Branch is reaching new heights with the release Courage to Be. On CD Baby this week he was listed as the Top Jazz-Rock release.

Additionally Branch has reported the CD is flying off the shelves and CD Baby in week 3 has already re-ordered the release numerous times. And if that wasn't already great news, here came round two. Branch debuted on the CMJ Jazz Chart at #28.

The great news is; he is only in his 2nd week of promotion and is already coming out of the gate with intense momentum.

Jackson Garrett is reviewed by Improvijazzation Nation

Review By: Rotcod Zzaj

Jackson Garrett - SPEECHLESS: That's just the condition you'll find your head in after listening to the first couple of compositions from Jackson... words will fail you... the krew he has playing these dozen tunes are rigged up to look like (either) Mafioso or the Blues Brothers, but it's not a hype... they've clearly been out in the "street", & know whereof they play. Just check out one of the "horniest" tunes around today, "Cool and Easy"; then switch over to a totally different mood on "Kisses All Around" to hear their diversity and skill in different musical situations. Now switch to the heavy R&B with killer guitar of "Slow Down, Boy!"... when you toss in the heavy horns, you'll be in musical bliss! I could (& have done) listen to this band for hours in a row... my favorite track, though, turned out to be the bluesy "Downtown With You"... make ya' think you're right in N'aw'leans - right NOW, people. I give these folks a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, particularly for those who love a bit of honkin' horn in their jazz. "EQ" (energy quotient) rating is 4.96. Get more information at www.reverbnation.com/jacksongarrett

Look Who is #1 at CD Baby This Week

Top Albums – Jazz-Rocklb
http://www.cdbaby.com/Top/522s - Jazz-Rock

Robert Branch: Courage To Be

Courage to Be is heavily influenced by the styles of Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny and Allan Holdsworth. Composed of all originals, the album displays remarkable versatility and honest candor having a distinctly identifiable sound that is from the heart.

Recommended if you like Carlos Santana, Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny.

• Buy CD - $12.97
• Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

ELEW: ELEW Rockjazz, Vol. 1

Featuring thirteen blistering piano recreations of tunes by Coldplay, The Killers, Nirvana and more, ELEW's debut album is a landmark project that reconfigures the traditions of ragtime, rock and pop into a thunderous new style called Rockjazz.

Recommended if you like Linkin Park, The Beatles, Yanni.

• Download Album (MP3) - $9.99
• Buy CD - $12.97

Ray Riendeau: Atmospheres

This CD is fusion at it's best featuring some of the best musicians on the scene today. The music is full of twists and turns and takes the listener on a musical adventure in jazz, rock, fusion and electronica.

Recommended if you like gary willis, matthew garrison, victor wooten.

• Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

Robin Adler & Mutts of the Planet: Safaris to the Heart: The Songs of Joni Mitchell

Fresh interpretations of a selection of Joni Mitchell's vast body of work with lush vocals, A-list musicians and lavish production. Half the album is recorded live in concert.

Recommended if you like Joni Mitchell.

• Buy CD - $15.00
• Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

In the Dream: In the Dream

Three veteran musicians come together in this powerful live studio recording, setting fire to the traditional notion of the jazz organ trio with a combustible mixture of passion, fun, and infectious grooves.

Recommended if you like Booker T. & the MG's, Jimmy Smith, Medeski Martin & Wood.

• Buy CD - $12.99
• Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

Save the Date - Annie Kozuch Metropolitan Room

To: Listings/Critics/Features
From: Kari-On Productions, LLC
Press Contact: Kari Gaffney, Publicist
http://www.karigaffney.com

SAVE THE DATE

Celebration of new release Here With You
~ Jazz, Boleros, Bossa Nova

OCT 21 & 28 NOV 4 & 11
9:30pm
Metropolitan Room
34 W 22nd Street$20 cover (2 bev. min.)
RSVP: 212-206-0440

Annie Kozuch [pronounced Ko’ zuk] was raised in Mexico City, Mexico. After seeing her first professional show at the age of six, she knew she wanted to perform. She sat in on her siblings’ guitar lessons and although she was too young to hold the guitar, she learned to sing all the boleros and mariachis. Encouraged by her parents to “do what makes you happy” she furthered her passion for acting and singing by training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (R.A.D.A.), London, and graduated from Mills College, CA, with a B.A. in Dramatic Arts. After a few years in San Francisco, she moved to New York City.

Ms. Kozuch enjoys a successful broad-based career. Whether in plays, in film or on TV, Ms. Kozuch brings emotional depth and sharp delivery to every role she takes. Reviewers have called her soprano voice "pure" and effortless" and have pointed out that "she acts every tune as well as she sings them." She has been called a "smart, smart blond" for her ability to find the wit and insight in lyrics.

Her singing repertoire has landed her acclaimed Broadway Pops performances, including Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Tokyo City Symphony Orchestra, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and Natchez Opera Festival – An Evening of Jazz. In her new release, Here With You, she teamed up with jazz pianist Frank Ponzio and producer Jose Gallegos who bridged her love of the American Songbook with their Jazz and Latin backgrounds. “I found myself going back to all these wonderful jazz standards, boleros and bossa nova. The music and lyrics are authentic and timeless.”

CD DESCRIPTION:
Here With You marks the introduction of trilingual vocalist, Annie Kozuch to the Jazz and Latin devotee. Her voice is cool, clean and a joy to hear. Supported on this debut album by musicians who know how to play jazz, boleros and bossa nova, they remind you that you are listening to great music, while at the same time, not getting in the way of Kozuch's cool, sensual and romantic voice.

Annie Kozuch brings true credibility to “Chega de Saudade” (“No More Blues”), which is considered the first bossa nova song composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim (music) and Vinícius de Moraes (lyric). Her articulation of the language is flawless and filled with passion. The beautiful timbre of her voice floats across the rhythms of the bossa nova, bringing true homage to the composers.

Swinging down the lane we make a stop at “I Love Being Here With You”, reminiscent of Peggy Lee’s rendition, you can hear Annie smile during her reading of the lyric. A sassy scat section gives way to Kozuch belting the track to its conclusion and taking the listener along for a welcomed ride. A sensitive version of “How Deep is The Ocean” is a nice texture change along the journey, showing a breathy side of Kozuch’s voice. Her warmth and believability shine through on this track. The sparse instrumentation highlights Annie’s feminine vocal qualities.

“Corcovado/Quiet Nights” features a bilingual version of this classic Jobim bossa nova. Annie draws out the bittersweet lyrics with each note dripping from her sensual lips, giving the listener an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the lyrics and her voice in both a Portuguese and English version. “You’ve Changed”, a popular song originally written by Bill Carey and Carl Fischer in 1941, is given a perceptive peppering of the saxophone, as Kozuch hits transitions from falsetto to low register notes, creating a lilting feeling for the listener to enjoy.

Mnemonic to the early Judy Garland years, Kozuch exhibits a purity in her voice on the track, “I’m Through With Love”, showing all the right attributes to compliment the writer’s original intentions. With an authentic Spanish cut, Annie serves us an emotive and classic bolero version of “Nosotros” (we), written by famous Cuban composer, Pedro Junco. Switching gears, “Carinhoso” (loving), done as a ‘swing’, is a fresh and inventive approach to this widely recorded song made famous by Joao Gilberto. Kozuch sheds new light to this ordinarily performed bossa nova with a mid-tempo swing interpretation that is light, fun and completely swinging!

“You’re Getting to Be a Habit With Me”, with a Freddy Green chunking guitar style, gives the cut a retro-jazz continuity, harkening back to the days of ole, a foot tapping cut that is just plain fun. In Alec Wilder’s, “Who Can I Turn To”, Kozuch does each phrase its own justice, with beauty and grace; she glides across the palette of the song, delivering a tender and thoughtful performance. In the absolutely gorgeous Spanish rendition of Mexican composer Armando Manzanero’s, “Somos Novios” (“It’s Impossible”), Annie taps into her roots once again, offering the listener an authentic experience, weaving a canvas of textural colors and aural delights, a fitting ending for a beautifully traversed canvas of styles and languages.

Simply put, Here With You is a beautifully seasoned, well-crafted release that will bring delight to your ears and make your collection sing with joy.

Jennifer Zarine is reviewed by Improvijazzation Nation

Review By: Rotcod Zzaj

Jennifer Zarine- FRESH MADE CUPPA TEA: Words like "vibrant", "sweet" & "zingy" come to mind as I listen to the opening track on Jennifer's too-cool CD "Fresh Made Cuppa Tea", "Orange Colored Sky"... then other words pour in as she segues into "The Way You Do The Things You Do"... "fun" & "frolicking", f'r'instance. The tunes are, for the most part, fairly short in length, almost at "radio length"... I think that makes the CD more enjoyable in a way, & certainly gives you a strong sense of her performance range. If you're in a rockin' mood, for instance, you'll definitely dig her rendition of Jagger/Richards' "Paint It Black" - Jennifer is definitely a siren on this one! It was the mighty mellow "Smile/I'm All Smiles" that captured my ear for favorite track... she's right out in front with a rich vocal that will make you feel the emotion she's singing! I give her a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.95. I expect we'll all be hearing much more from this highly talented jazz vocalist. Get more information on her FB PAGE!