ESSAYS. Cont'd From Page 81
Erika Luckett, twice elected "Best International Singer." Ms. Luckett's photo graces the cover of volume two of the World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
And another chanteuse said: “I was born a diva and a femme fatale, don’t let this scare the hell out of you, honey!” “Mercedes Hall is a wicked generator of moods…” Blues-Jazz sensation, Mercedes Hall is in demand. Her looks, class, beauty and out of this world voice are the reason. She is a hot ticket, now. The fans who saw Hall’s shows at Danny's Skylight Room in Manhattan went ape. It was an enormous success! Hysterically successful. After the success of Mercedes previous Adult Contemporary / Smooth Jazz album “Somewhere In The Night “ she recorded her first ‘straight-ahead’ jazz CD at SONY Music Studios in New York City with her new trio ‘Monk For President’. The power in quality of the vocals captured in "Somewhere in the Night" were recently validated when her version of "Walk on By" became part of the ocean drive best of American FM jazz CD. She joined the elite company of such artists as Patty Austin, The Rippingtons, Jon Lucien, Michael McDonald, Dave Grusin etc. on this extraordinary European release. Additionally, Mercedes version of “My Funny Valentine” was recorded for the independent film “Funny Valentine”. In addition to other venues Mercedes returned to the Cape Cod Jazz Festival this August 2006 where she previously sold out this past Summer 2005. Mercedes seems to be the darling of the critics. Here is excerpts from what they wrote: “...Ms. Hall is a wicked generator of moods, has superb phrasing and musicianship.”-Will Tusher, Hollywood Reporter. “Electric, lustful rhythms & blues…With her dazzling range, cultured voice and stellar presence, Mercedes Hall puts on a show that builds energy like an atomic pile approaching critical mass.”, New York Post.
Tony
Bennett on Donna Byrne: “It doesn't get any
better than this . . . One of the best young jazz singers in the country today.”
Donna Byrne (left), is unquestionably a signature of perfection and a monument of excellence to contemporary Jazz. Do you want to hear the best in the business? Go see Donna Byrne on stage! Or just get her CDs if you live behind the horizon.
Photo: Amy Baker as she appeared on the back cover of volume one
of the
World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment
The national media has already acknowledged the magnificent talent of Ms. Byrne. "One of the best singers currently on the scene", wrote Jazz Times. And Tony Bennett seems to agree. He said: "It doesn't get any better than this…One of the best young jazz singers in the country today. She's the Real McCoy." What is so special about Ms. Byrne's talent? First, her rich and wide range of vocal virtuosity which blends together, an honest emotional projection and an innovative, esthetically daring improvisation. Second: A perfect command of voice, meaning she uses her vocal cords as a musical instrument of one million octaves, a rare quality, hardly witnessed on stage or on tape.
Photo: Carol Mennie appeared on the back cover of volume two of World Who's Who in Jazz, Cabaret, Music and Entertainment.
Third,
and here comes the best: The captivating persona a of a warm, engaging,
truthful and mesmerizing entertainer. Talent is a great asset, no
questions asked. Ms. Byrne told me that talent is a gift, a blessing, it
is important, however talent is not the most important characteristic
feature of an accomplished performer. To be able to entertain the
audience and establish a direct rapport with the public is a major
accomplishment in an artist's career. And upon that accomplishment,
quite often, a singer's success takes off and radiates. And she is
absolutely right. We go to concerts and cozy Jazz rooms to be
entertained and to become one, with the beauty of the music, the human
depth of the lyrics, the stage presence of the performer, and most
certainly, to be entertained. Ms. Byrne symbolizes and represents all
of the above. In that context, Donna Byrne becomes America's perfect
singer-entertainer; in other words, the best of the best in the
business! Two thumbs up, all the way! She is real. Ruby Braff, so
truthfully said: "Artistry that will always appear fresh…No phony
affections…Beautiful and completely believable. What more can you ask
for?" Jazz Times stated: "Donna Byrne (is) one of the best
singers currently on the scene, one who approaches her lyrics with both
intelligence and swinging time, and without distorting syllabic emphasis
or resorting to stagy histrionics to get her meaning across." Ms. Byrne
is almost perfect at so many levels; voice, class, feelings, grace,
improvisation, charm, intelligence and a captivating stage presence."
That's it for now.