SHE IS HERE!
Release 10/15/21It’s been some time since we’ve heard from Shawnn Monteiro, jazz chanteuse extraordinaire. While the pandemic derailed most performance, Monteiro, who also spends a good deal of her time teaching jazz vocals in a university setting, managed to pull a recording together, and we’re all happy that she did.You Are There, her sixth release overall and third for Whaling City Sound, is the gorgeous sound of a veteran vocalist whose artistry is crafted in the mold of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McCrae, and Nancy Wilson. For the ride, she enjoys the company and support of two distinguished trios. The first half of the recording are with her regularworking trio, which includes Michael Renzi on piano, Dave Zinno on bass and Steve Langone on drums. The second half is an earlier session at Brooklyn’s revered Systems Two studio, and features Kenny Barron on piano, Nat Reeves on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums. Trombonist Steve Davis and trumpeters John Allmark and Joshua Bruneau also make important contributions.Monteiro handles her material the way a painter decorates a canvas with color. Her uber-talent lies in her ability to crush a ballad, whether it’s a sexy beast like “Alone at Last,” or a bluesy vocal like “You’ll See.” Her voice finds the loveliness between the notes, the subtleties of a lyric, the sincerity and passion of a song or a couplet or a simple line that comes straight from the soul, with a warm embrace.Overall, the repertoire is split between standards-done in Shawnn’s uniquely tasteful and swinging way- and numbers that are less well known. In both instances, Shawnn makes her interpretations look easy, effortless. This, as most singers know, is quite difficult, but is what serves to separate Shawnn’s work from so many other jazz vocalists. She sets an example, a prototype, for how to deliver a song credibly, whether it’s old chestnuts or a lesser-known gem. Some who have heard this jewel of a recording have noted this is Shawnn’s best work to date. We heartily agree. But we urge you to listen for yourself.
whalingcitysound.com
“Jazz singer Fred Farell has made his name both as a soloist and as an ensemble singer. He has acted for 5 decades. This is his debut for the Whaling City Sound label, thanks to his composers and friends, saxman Dave Liebman and pianist Richie Beirach. Fred wrote the lyrics himself. ‘Broken Wing’ has an unconventional rhyme, and sounds like a ‘film noir’. The same applies to the other songs, except for the 2 instrumental tracks, ‘Forgotten Fantasies’ and ‘Zal’. ‘Leaving’ has a very long intro, and that also applies to the longest track here ‘Mitsuku’. If you like melancholic sung jazz, this CD will please you. If not, carefully taste!”
O’s Notes: The pandemic put drummer/composer Gerry Gibbs 9th album on hold but a series of discussions and fate led to him making Songs From My Father, an album dedicated to his father, vibraphonist/composer Terry Gibbs. There are four distinct Thrasher Dream Trios: with 1. the late Chick Corea (p) and Ron Carter (b), 2. Kenny Barron (p) and Buster Williams (b), 3. Patrice Rushen (p) and Larry Goldings (B3), and 4. Geoff Keezer (p) and Christian McBride (b). Gerry plays drums and percussion on all 19 tracks (2 discs). There’s an upbeat contemporary Latin vibe on “Townhouse 3”, heavy swing on “Bopstacle Course” and “4 A.M.” They take a breath on “Lonely Dreams”, a ballad before ending disc 1 with “Hey Chick” featuring vibraphonist Terry Gibbs. Disc 2 ends with “Tango for Terry” composed by Chick for the elder Gibbs. This was Corea’s last recording, adding to the allure of this historic recording.
Gerry Gibbs Thrasher Dream Trios – Songs from My Father(Whaling City Sound) – This outing returns to the trio configurations as he pays homage to his 96-year-old father, Terry Gibbs, one of the last living architects of bebop and an innovator on the vibraphone. Gerry selects 18 tunes from his dad’s discography, giving them a more contemporary sheen spread across 2 CDs. Notably, this project also features one of the late Chick Corea’s compositions, “Tango for Terry,” and two arrangements done specifically for this album. Gerry Gibbs tapped several legendary players, three NEA Jazz Masters and perhaps two or three future ones, informing these luminous trios – Corea and Ron Carter, Kenny Barron and Buster Williams, Patrice Rushen and Larry Goldings, and Geoff Keezer and Christian McBride along with percussionist Kyeshie Gibbs. (Received Grammy nomination for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for Kenny Barron on “Kick Those Feet”).
Gerry Gibbs took advantage of the corona time by criss-crossing the United States in order to record enough material for a double CD with four different trios. The percussionist did not play ‘Song for my father’ (‘standard’ by Horace Silver, as attentive readers know) but ‘Songs From My Father’. His father is the vibraphonist Terry Gibbs, who also apparently composed enough material for such a production. On piano we hear Chick Corea – in one of his last recordings – as well as Kenny Barron, Geoff Keezer and Patrice Rushen. Corea contributed one piece: the only track not by Pa Gibbs. A tough piece with a few tempo changes, in which son Gibbs had to read a lot. But he must have inherited that skill from his father, who did a lot of studio work after all.
Terry Gibbs’ eighteen pieces – written in the years 1949-1985 – are mostly handy and playable. No complicated harmonies, but a strong groove: in fours, funky or Latin. Son Gibbs is like a fish in water in that. The blues and ‘I got rhythm’ are there; in addition, some atmospheric ballads and a new melody about the chords of ‘Softly as in a morning sunrise’. Simplicity and logic, that’s what it’s all about.
The piano giants make no effort to present themselves emphatically. They swing with dedication and smooth fingers. Whether the basses of Ron Carter and Buster Williams have been recorded properly is a matter of taste. Your reviewer hears a grunt similar to anything but a double bass. Christian McBride’s bass, recorded unamplified as always, was spared this fate.
Gerry Gibbs (57) uses the term “Thrasher” for just about everything he’s in charge of. That can be a Thrasher Big Band or, like here, four times a Trasher Dream Trio. That “Dream” is another favorite qualifier of his father, who for years led his Dream Band: a collection of studio musicians from LA who came to jazz on Monday or Tuesday nights.
Terry Gibbs (96, actually: Julius Gubenko) is present in one piece in which all the participants can be heard: a matter of complicated overdubbing. The old boss is astonishingly flexible in this. The old Gibbs recorded a complete album for the same label in 2017. 92 Years Young: Jammin at The Gibbs House.
GERRY GIBBS THRASHER DREAM TRIOS – SONGS FROM MY FATHER (CD)
Whaling City Sound
Songs From My Father is the much-anticipated new album from renowned musical polymath Gerry Gibbs. On his thirteenth release as a leader, drummer — percussionist — bandleader — arranger Gibbs presents a smashing double-disc masterwork featuring four iterations of his acclaimed Thrasher Dream Trio. Under his astute direction, this band of jazz titans pays homage to the musical legacy of Gerry’s 96-year-old father, Terry Gibbs. To honor Terry, one of the last living architects of bebop and innovators of the vibraphone, Gerry selected 18 tunes from his father’s vast discography and interpreted the timeless material through his own refined compositional lens with inventive, modern arrangements. Notably, Songs From My Father features the last recorded performance of the great Chick Corea, and includes one of Chick’s tunes composed specifically for this project. With Gibbs in the drum chair, his Thrasher Dream Trios include Corea and Ron Carter; Kenny Barron and Buster Williams; Patrice Rushen and Larry Goldings and Geoff Keezer & Christian McBride; along with percussionist Kyeshie Gibbs. With this new recording, Gerry Gibbs cements his standing as one of the most creative and forward-thinking musicians on the contemporary jazz scene. Disc 1 features Corea and Carter on “Bopstacle Course,” composed in 1974 and “Sweet Young Song of Love” composed in 1985, and arranged by Gibbs and Corea. The first disc’s final track, “Hey Chick,” is a special homage to the memory of Corea. The Thrasher Dream Trio is featured on the album opener “Kick Those Feet” and “Take It From Me” both composed in 1964. “Smoke Em Up” (1968) and “Lonely Days” (1955) both feature Gibbs alongside pianist Patrice Rushen and organist Larry Goldings. Gibbs per- forms with pianist Geoff Keezer and bassist Christian McBride on 1955s “Nutty Notes,” and 1958s “The Fat Man.” Disc 2 provides audiences with further arrangements of timeless Gibbs compositions including 1949s “T & S” and 1955s “Lonely Dreams” featuring Barron, Gibbs and Williams; 1978s “Townhouse 3,” 1961s “Hippie Twist” and 1958s “Pretty Blue Eyes” featuring Rushen, Gibbs and Goldings; 1978s “4 A.M,” 1961s “For Keeps” and 1955s “Gibberish” featuring Keezer, Gibbs and McBride; and 1964s “Waltz For My Children” featuring and arranged by Corea, alongside Gibbs and Carter as well as the final piece on the album —“Tango For Terry” written and performed by Corea for his old friend Terry Gibbs.
The history of this project is very dramatic. The album, conceived as a tribute from his son – the father, the famous drummer and band leader of “The Thrasher” Gerry Gibbs – the 96-year-old legendary Terry Gibbs, who played with Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Art Blackie, Dizzy Gillespie etc., who composed more than 300 compositions, who recorded 65 solo albums and was the # 1 vibraphone player from 1950 to 1955 according to DownBeat and Metronome polls, turned into a double tribute with a very sad connotation. However, let’s go in order …
The double album Songs From My Father amazes with its monumentality. Gerry has selected 18 compositions from different years from the vast creative heritage of his father. Known for his signature Thrasher Dream Trio chamber ensembles, Jerry decided to entrust the performance of this music to several Thrasher Dream Trios, composed of the outstanding jazz musicians of our time. There are four of them in the album. Chick Corea and Ron Carter play in one with him, Kenny Barron and Buster Williams in the other, Patrice Rushen and Larry Goldings in the third (the only trio where a Hammond organ sounds instead of bass) and in the fourth – Jeff Keezer and Christian McBride. How do you like the team? In my opinion, just fantastic!
But what does it mean to implement such a project, and even in a covid year ?! Gerry Gibbs traveled half of America in ten months, coordinating the work schedules of the project participants in order to make these recordings. Terry’s old friend Chick Corea was especially inspired by the idea of this tribute. He wrote the composition “Tango For Terry” specially for the album, which became the final track of the album, and also made arrangements for two more compositions. Gerry and Chick called up almost every week, discussed the progress of the project, and just talked “for life.” And then came the unexpected and black news of Chick Corea’s death. And it so happened that four pieces recorded for this album with his participation turned out to be the last lifetime recordings of this amazing musician …
Shocked by this tragedy, the project participants said goodbye to Corea with dignity. Gerry and his father jointly renamed Terry’s 1961 composition “Hey Jim” to “Hey Chick”, and it was jointly performed for the project by all eight of its members (each with a pair of choruses). In addition, Gerry also edited his father’s vibraphone solo from that old recording from the early 60s into this recording. This piece took a special place in the album, remarkable in all respects. If you love jazz, you just have to hear this unique work – and say goodbye to Chick Corea …
Gerry Gibbs publishes Songs from my father with unreleased music by Chick Corea
Songs from my father is the highly anticipated new album from music scholar Gerry Gibbs. It is his thirteenth release as frontman, drummer, percussionist and bandleader, as well as arranger, Gibbs presents a two-disc masterpiece featuring four versions of his acclaimed trio that goes by the name Trasher Dream Trio.
Under his clever leadership, the band of jazz titans pay heartfelt tribute to the musical legacy of Gerry’s father, Terry Gibbs, one of the last living architects of be bop and innovators of the percussion instrument: the vibraphone.
For this purpose Gerry selected no more and no less than 18 melodies from his father’s vast discography and interpreted the material in a timeless way through his own compositional prism and lens, with ingenious and modern arrangements. Also Songs from my father has the last performance recorded with the great Chick Corea, piano genius who also passed away a few dates ago. It also includes one of the melodies Chick composed specifically for this project.
With Gibbs on drums, he has had the chance to record on this album with his stellar trios. Here you can enjoy excellent musicians such as Korea himself, Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Buster Williams, Patrice Rushen, Larry Goldings, Geoff Keezer and Christian McBride.
A global pandemic could not stop this prolific jazz man, but rather, on the contrary, positively inspired him leaving an echo of an impressive season of creative production. Gibbs presents this album fresh from his epic 2019 work titled Our People, which defies the musical genre. Some critics defined it as “cleverly overlapping pieces that often come close to cinematic … quite a feat.”
We also had access to his previous 2020 Emotional Pandemic, an 18-track album entirely composed and performed by his own person. The 8 instruments. In fact, this was the launch that caught the attention of Chick Corea himself. Korea asked the drummer the process for recording all the instruments. That minimal conversation evolved into the possibility of collaboration and the concept was born: it was possible to release a double album as a result of collaborations with four amazing triso, including the aforementioned collaboration with Chick and Ron Carter.
In this state of affairs, later Korea asked to become even more deeply involved in work, in music. He composed an original piece under the title Tango For Terry, dedicated especially to Terry Gibbs and even arranging two pieces for the album.
Gibbs comments “What he wanted to do seemed almost impossible with the covid. There was a lot of fear, travel, safety precautions and logistics. How do 4 trios coordinate when a disease spreads all over the world and in the USA? That was the challenge and yet Gibbs saw the opportunity and did not give up organizing several trips to capture the sounds. Without a doubt, he has been worth it.
“Weather or Not” Nice to hear graphically arranged material of Weather Report. Keep up with your creative mission! ~Wayne Shorter
“Gerry has created his own world on this recording. The amount of time and effort he brought to the project is astounding. The music itself is extremely wide ranging touching upon several distinct idioms …..quite impressive.” – Dave Liebman
It is unique and kind of madcap, the sign of a fertile artist plowing through all the ideas swirling around his brain. “Instead of creating one musical concept, I wanted it to sound like 16 trios, so that’s why the music was so eclectic.” Gerry Gibbs is the artist, and his new, two-disc set—one disc devoted to the blazing Weather Report, the second to his own diverse material—leads listeners through a fun house of styles. Disc One is devoted to Weather Report tribute, but it’s not nearly the lukewarm cover collection by aspiring fusioneers you might expect. (Because, perhaps, they might beat Zawinul and company at their own game?) Instead, Gibbs opts to re-imagine the material from the POV of an acoustic piano-led trio, the featured instrument played by luminous new talent Alex Collins, with brilliant Austrian-born Hans Glawischnig on bass. The sparks sure do fly on familiar melodies: “Palladium,” “Teen Town,” “Birdland,” naturally, and “Black Market.” There’s lots to dig into here, and you certainly don’t have to be a Weather Report fan to dig it. Disc Two features Gibbs cranking up the creative juices on a set of originals, traversing from flamenco to pulse-quickening funk, calypso, gospel Latin jazz, R&B and plenty of all-out swing. While Gibbs has tackled myriad projects in the past, from 2006‘s Thrasher Big Band project Live at Luna’s to 2010‘s The Electric Thrasher Orchestra Plays The Music of Miles Davis (’67-’75) and 2013‘s Grammy-nominated Thrasher Dream Trio (with Ron Carter and Kenny Barron), this rich two-CD set, his 11th as a bandleader, is his most audacious and fully-realized project to date, an early crowning achievement from a restless spirit and a triumphant, indefatigable artist.
It is unique and kind of madcap, the sign of a fertile artist plowing through all the ideas swirling around his brain. “Instead of creating one musical concept, I wanted it to sound like 16 trios, so that’s why the music was so eclectic.” Gerry Gibbs is the artist, and his new, two-disc set—one disc devoted to the blazing Weather Report, the second to his own diverse material—leads listeners through a fun house of styles. Disc One is devoted to Weather Report tribute, but it’s not nearly the lukewarm cover collection by aspiring fusioneers you might expect. (Because, perhaps, they might beat Zawinul and company at their own game?) Instead, Gibbs opts to reimagine the material from the POV of an acoustic piano-led trio, the featured instrument played by luminous new talent Alex Collins, with brilliant Austrian-born Hans Glawischnig on bass. The sparks sure do fly on familiar melodies: “Palladium,” “Teen Town,” “Birdland,” naturally, and “Black Market.” There’s lots to dig into here, and you certainly don’t have to be a Weather Report fan to dig it. Disc Two features Gibbs cranking up the creative juices on a set of originals, traversing from flamenco to pulse-quickening funk, calypso, gospel Latin jazz, R&B and plenty of all-out swing. While Gibbs has tackled myriad projects in the past, from 2006‘s Thrasher Big Band project Live at Luna’s to 2010‘s The Electric Thrasher Orchestra Plays The Music of Miles Davis (’67-’75) and 2013‘s Grammy-nominated Thrasher Dream Trio (with Ron Carter and Kenny Barron), this rich two-CD set, his 11th as a bandleader, is his most audacious and fully-realized project to date, an early crowning achievement from a restless spirit and a triumphant, indefatigable artist.
“Joe Zawinul always had the utmost respect for maestros Kenny Barron and Ron Carter. I am certain that their Thrasher Trio-mate Gerry Gibbs’ name would have been added to that select list had Joe been able to hear Gerry’s realization of the music of Weather Report as played by his new trio that includes Alex Collins on piano, Fender Rhodes, organ & vocals, plus Hans Glavishnig on acoustic bass (whose playing on this CD bears an uncanny resemblance to maestro Carter’s). Here is a unique reading of Weather Report’s music that is totally fun to listen to. As an insider, I can say that this album sheds new light on the WR canon while spotlighting the intrinsic talent and sounds of Gerry’s new band. I feel the better for having heard this recording.
Jaco would have loved Hans’ playing on “A Remark You Made” … I know that I do.
– Peter Erskine
Gerry, love your interpretations, really gives me lots of inspirations. Keep this up.
– Alex Acuna
Great musical interpretations by drummer/visionary Gerry Gibbs of the various songs originally recorded by supergroup Weather Report. Gerry’s drumming is impeccable throughout. The band really cooks!! A “must have” CD!
– Alphonse Mouzon
(Original Drummer and Founding Member of Weather Report)
Chairman of Tenacious Records
Gerry Gibbs and Thrasher People visit the Music of Weather Report with great re-interpretations and success, and if that wasn’t enough on this 2 CD set, you can hear the Thrasher Trio tackle Gerry Gibbs’ complex original compositions each of which tell a unique story like the Weather Report tunes… real impressive playing from everyone…this stuff ain’t easy folks!! They kill it!
– Randy Brecker
I am having so much fun listening to Gerry’s new trio cd celebrating the music of weather report. Totally swingin’ and lots of surprises. Gerry is a very interesting artist for me to listen to, he is not only a great drummer with tons of spirit and ideas but he is a great arranger and writer. His deep understanding of history and love of the music is always present as is his sense of humor. Hard swing, funk blues, a great shuffle and lots of soul, all the things I love about jazz music are constantly being addressed, taken apart, put back together backwards then forwards and inside out without being tongue in cheek or labored. New and fresh ideas being examined from many angles through the eyes of artists who know the roots. An oasis of swingin’ jazz at a time when it is really needed. Thank you Gerry!
–Mike Clark
Thank You’s
This CD would not have been documented if it had not been for my Thrasher People Brothers, Alex and Hans. Special Thanks to Alex for taking my 12 arrangements and 16 originals and not only transcribing them from my computer mock ups but for memorizing all 28 songs and for going out of your ways every step of the way.
Thanks to Thadd – Your presence was felt all through out ! Never seen but felt for sure.
Special thank you’s to DW Drums Special Thank you to all at DW Drums. Special thank you to Don Lombardi, John Good and special thanks to Garrison
Special Thank you to Evans Drum Heads & Pure Sound Percussion. Huge Thanks to my brother Marco Soccoli for not just taking care of me, equipment wise, but stopping in and out of the recording sessions to give all his knowledge of different drum heads that he sent and brought to the studio for this recording. He helped me constantly change heads to different models on 15 different DW Drums used on these 2 CD’s
Special Thanks to Zildjian. Extra special Thanks to Kirsten Matt and Sarah Hagan for sending bells and special effects cymbals the day before recording started..Love you guys.
Thank you Vic Firth Drum Sticks, Humes and Berg Drum Bags
Special Thanks to my wife Kyeshie Gibbs. She was there during every minute in the studio all 5 days and had many great ideas during the tracking and mixing of these CD’s
Special Thanks as always to my Pops who encouraged me to go out every night and find the new members of THRASHER PEOPLE.
During the preparation for this recording a few key people really made some amazing things happen in many ways related to this recording. Much love to 2 of the best drummers on the planet – Mike Clark and Joey Heredia. Also huge thanks to Weather Report Alumni and 3 of the most important and influential musicians, Peter Erskine, Alex Acuna, Alphonse Mouzon, Thank you to Randy Brecker and Mike for their kind thoughts about the music after they heard the 2 CDs. One of the most knowledgeable and creative music writers in the music world Bill Milkowski. Special Thanks to Keyboard Wizard and Producer Nick Manson for some great imput. Thank you to Stan & Jerry (Owners of Pro Drum Shop in Hollywood California) for taking care of all my equipment over the last 25 years.
Thank you to all the amazing sound people involved – David Stoller & Mark Marciano and of course huge hugs and love to Nancy Marciano
Thanks to Whaling City Sound Team Neal Weiss, Dave Arruda Jr and Ginny Shea
CD Dedication
This CD is dedicated to Neal Weiss for his 10 years of huge support, love, friendship and always great input and amazing care of all the projects we have done together for his wonder Whaling City Sound Label.
Featuring her all star trio Tim Ray on piano, David Zinno on bass and Yoron Israel on drums
Jazz music awards nominee, Shawnn Monteiro, returns to Scullers with her all star
trio to WOW audiences once again with a very special Valentine’s Day Concert!
“Shawnn Monteiro is a veteran jazz singer whose style and phrasing recall Carmen
McRae. She explores both familiar standards and a few superior obscurities, has a sultry
voice, and a solid sense of swing.” – Scott Yanow, Jazz Historian
Shawnn is a living memorial to an era that is almost fully behind us. Join us to
experience the amazing jazz chanteuse extraordinaire, a veteran vocalist whose artistry
is crafted in the mold of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Nancy Wilson.
Scullers Jazz Club
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 7 and 9 PM
In the Doubletree hotel suites, 400 Soldiers Field Rd, Boston, MA 02134
Jazz music awards nominee, Shawnn Monteiro, sings your favorite jazz tunes! “Shawnn Monteiro is a veteran jazz singer whose style and phrasing recall Carmen McRae. She explores both familiar standards and a few superior obscurities, has a sultry voice, and a solid sense of swing.” – Scott Yanow, Jazz Historian
Matt DeChamplain- Piano
Alex Tremblay- Bass
Yoron Israel- Drums
“You Are There” showcases the lush jazz singing of Shawnn Monteiro, supported by masterful performances of associates on trumpet, piano, trombone, drums, and bass. The charged, intensely passionate music crested with dulcet beauty of Monteiro’s vocals makes You Are There a rapturous listening experience, highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are Dearly Beloved, Inside a Silent Tear, Let’s Eat Home, You are There, How Deep is the Ocean, You’ll See, The Shadow of Your Smile, Autumn Leaves, Alone at Last, Never Let Me Go, I Hear Music / How High the Moon, and My Old Friend.
No matter how long one listens to the releases that come in the mail for review, it seems like one comes along by an accomplished artist who has been on the scene for quite some time and has somehow escaped the attention of the listener. For me, vocalist SHAWNN MONTEIRO is such a talent. Upon listening to her new album, You Are There (Whaling City Sound – 128), it was apparent that this is a lady who is a first-rate jazz vocalist. The album was recorded at sessions spread over six and one-half years. In September 2014, Monteiro was joined by pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Nat Reeves and drummer Joe Farnsworth for seven tunes, with trumpeters John Allmark and Josh Bruneau, and trombonist Steve Davis adding occasional contributions. The remaining five tracks found her in the company of pianist Mike Renzi, bassist Dave Zinno and drummer Steve Langone, some recorded in July 2019 and others in March 2021. The one constant is the engaging vocalizing of Monteiro. Whether caressing a ballad like “Inside a Silent Tear” or “You Are There;” taking “Dearly Beloved” or a medley of “I Hear Music” and “How High then Moon” for a rhythmic ride; lending a bluesy tinge to “You’ll See” or gently swinging “The Shadow of Your Smile,” Monteiro is right on target. All in all, Monteiro has produced a winner!
SHE IS HERE!
Shawnn Monteiro returns to recording with You Are There, her best work to date
It’s been some time since we’ve heard from Shawnn Monteiro, jazz chanteuse extraordinaire. While the pandemic derailed most performance, Monteiro, who also spends a good deal of her time teaching jazz vocals in a university setting, managed to pull a recording together, and we’re all happy that she did.
You Are There, her sixth release overall and third for Whaling City Sound, is the gorgeous sound of a veteran vocalist whose artistry is crafted in the mold of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McCrae, and Nancy Wilson. For the ride, she enjoys the company and support of two distinguished trios. The first half of the recording are with her regular working trio, which includes Michael Renzi on piano, Dave Zinno on bass and Steve Langone on drums. The second half is an earlier session at Brooklyn’s revered Systems Two studio, and features Kenny Barron on piano, Nat Reeves on bass, and Joe Farnsworth on drums. Trombonist Steve Davis and trumpeters John Allmark and Joshua Bruneau also make important contributions.
Monteiro handles her material the way a painter decorates a canvas with color. Her uber-talent lies in her ability to crush a ballad, whether it’s a sexy beast like “Alone at Last,” or a bluesy vocal like “You’ll See.” Her voice finds the loveliness between the notes, the subtleties of a lyric, the sincerity and passion of a song or a couplet or a simple line that comes straight from the soul, with a warm embrace.
Overall, the repertoire is split between standards-done in Shawnn’s uniquely tasteful and swinging way- and numbers that are less well known. In both instances, Shawnn makes her interpretations look easy, effortless. This, as most singers know, is quite difficult, but is what serves to separate Shawnn’s work from so many other jazz vocalists. She sets an example, a prototype, for how to deliver a song credibly, whether it’s old chestnuts or a lesser-known gem. Some who have heard this jewel of a recording have noted this is Shawnn’s best work to date. We heartily agree. But we urge you to listen for yourself.
Re-watch Shawnn’s July 9th birthday performance from Virtual AHA! Night: Set 1 / Set 2
Whaling City Sound‘s Jazz vocalist Shawnn Monteiro will be recording with long time friend, Jazz pianist and icon Kenny Barron. Both have spoken about doing something together for many years and now they are making their wishes come true. Monteiro and Barron will be at renowned Systems Two Studio, in Brooklyn, NY recording TODAY 9/22 and TOMORROW 9/23. Rounding out the trio with Kenny are Nat Reeves on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums.
Wed Aug 29 12 01:00 PM
Venue: Greenvale Vineyards
Address: 582 Wapping Rd., Portsmouth, RI, 02871, US Details: w/ Mike Renzi & Dick Lupino
401-847-3777
Sun Sep 09 12 11:30 AM
Venue: Hartford Jazz Society Cruise
Address: Connecticut State Pier 152-198 Little Meadow Road, Haddam, CT, 06438, US
Details: 7 hours on the Connecticut River: Haddam to Long Island Sound and back
Reserved Tables: ALL BOTTOM DECK TABLES RESERVED. Tables of 10 seats on bottom deck $650.00 until Sept. 2, 2012; after Sept. 2nd., $750.00.
ALL RESERVED TABLES SOLD ONLY AT HJS OFFICE.
Bring your own picnic baskets, drinks and coolers. Hot dogs are available on board. Ice and cold drinks available free on the lower deck.
ADULTS ONLY! • NO PETS!
> BUY TICKETS (60.00 per person)
Shawnn Monteiro offers tribute the wonderful and all-too-overlooked jazz singer Carmen McRae in To Carmen with Love, a soulfully beautiful album. Monteiro sings in the same style as McRae once did, accompanied by a spare three-piece band; the songs are carefully selected from among McRae’s personal favorites. To Carmen with Love is a joy to experience for fans of jazz, and highly recommended. Midwest Book Review Library Bookwatch: June 2012
Shawnn Monteiro – To Carmen with Love 4/4 O’s Notes: Shawnn sings with her soul, reaching down deep like the early jazz singers. Specifically this is a tribute to Carmen McRae, not a trivial task but Monteiro pulls it off. She has the perfect compliment with her swinging trio including pianist Mike Renzi, Dave Zinno on bass and drummer Steve Langone. There are twelve songs that help us revisit memories of one of the greatest jazz singers (Carmen). — D. Oscar Groomes O’s Place Jazz Magazine P.O. Box 38430 Charlotte, NC 28278 http://www.OsPlaceJazz.com
To Carmen with Love
A Tribute to Jazz, A Tribute to a Talent, and a Tribute to One Artist’s Effort to Keep a Memory Alive
Tributes to the jazz greats of yesterday, performed by the artists of today, are many. But few of today’s artists can boast the same intimacy and familiarity with the objects of their musical affection as Shawnn Monteiro. On her new CD, To Carmen With Love, Shawnn pays tribute to the artistry of the legendary—but often overlooked—jazz vocalist,
Carmen McRae. But Monteiro, whose earthy voice and masterful phrasing is reminiscent of McRae’s, chose McRae for a few very good reasons …
“My dad Jimmy Woode,” she explains, “played bass with Carmen for quite a while, and my godfather, trumpeter Clark Terry did also. I used to listen to them tell stories about their time with Carmen and it was fascinating.”
The influence of Carmen’s music and the direct connection to it, takes Monteiro’s tribute to the next level. With a similar singing style, the same, spare three-piece band, and a love of the repertoire, Monteiro made it a mission to bring greater attention to the amazing craft and music of McRae. “I really want Carmen to be heard,” she says. “She was just a great entertainer, a great singer.”
On To Carmen With Love, Monteiro is helping to do just that. In preparing the album, which was produced by Monteiro and Mike Renzi, Shawnn took great care in choosing the songs she had a feeling were special to the singer. She sifted through her own three-dozen-plus recordings by McRae, and pinpointed the songs that kept popping up in their grooves: “That Old Black Magic,” “Lamp Is Low,” “Old Devil Moon,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” and “I Have the Feeling I’ve Been Here Before.” A few years ago, a former band mate presented Shawnn with a DVD of McRae’s last performance, recorded back in 1986. “All the tunes I loved were on it,” she says, and their inclusion convinced Shawnn she was on the right track. “She had a love in her heart for them, obviously.”
And so does Shawnn.
Along with recording and gigging, Monteiro shares her love for McRae and jazz in general as an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College and the Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford. Not only that, she deepens her commitment to the genre by giving master classes in jazz vocals all over the world —including in Italy, France, Croatia, Spain and more. She takes teaching as seriously as singing.
“I teach them about this thing we call jazz. It’s our American art form. I turn my students on to this music, and they say, ‘Oh my God! We’ve never heard this! And I tell them, ‘Unless you pass it on, it’s going to die.’”
On To Carmen with Love, Monteiro is doing her part and much more in keeping the glow of jazz alive. It’s in her heart, it’s in her performance, and it’s in every note she sings.
Featured Artists Shawnn Monteiro: vocals Mike Renzi: piano Dave Zinno: bass Steve Langone: drums Track Listings Old Devil Moon • Yesterdays • I Concentrate on You • Old Black Magic • You’re Looking At Me • Mean To Me • Come In From the Rain • Miss Brown • Speak Low • Nice Work • The Feeling • Nature Boy Quotes “Fresh and adventuresome … a dynamic presence.” — JazzTimesFeatured Artist: Shawnn Monteiro: vocals Mike Renzi: piano Dave Zinno: bass Steve Langone: drums Track Listing: Old Devil Moon; Yesterdays; I Concentrate on You; Old Black Magic; You’re Looking At Me; Mean To Me; Come In From the Rain; Miss Brown; Speak Low; Nice Work; The Feeling; Nature Boy Jazz vocalist Shawnn Monteiro’s father, bassist Jimmy Woode, played for the late, great Carmen McRae. So did her godfather, trumpeter Clark Terry. • As Monteiro listened to their stories and studied McRae’s work, she became an admirer. The influence of McRae’s earthy contralto voice and masterful phrasing comes through loud and clear in Monteiro’s own jazz stylings. • Ms. Monteiro has delighted audiences from the USA to Europe with her highly popular jazz repertoire laced with blues-oriented improvisations and the American Songbook. The true quality of Shawnn’s voice is best experienced in the ultimate setting of the club dates where her warm charisma can be personally felt by those fortunate enough to spend an evening with her • She continues to teach Master Classes all over the world, including one ongoing every summer in Italy since 1995. She is an adjunct Professor at the Hartt School/Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz , University of Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut and also Rhode Island College in Providence Rhode Island. • Her popularity continues to grow as club-goers from Los Angeles to Rome extol the special feelings they share as she lulls them into a mellow mood as only a sensitive jazz vocalist can do. The true magical quality of Shawnn’s exciting voice is best experienced in the ultimate setting of the club dates where her warm charisma can be personally felt by those fortunate enough to spend and evening with her. Promotion to Key Markets Label Hometown: New Bedford Artist Hometown: Providence Also:Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Chicago, San Jose, Hartford Also Available: Whaling City Sound, 022, Shawnn Monteiro, One Special Night JazzTimes – “fresh and adventuresome…a dynamic presence”
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“Exciting, captivating and completely distinctive” is how most jazz cognoscenti describe Shawnn’s pulsating lyric style. Whether in the intimacy of a club date or the glitter of a Las Vegas showroom, Shawnn has delighted audiences from USA to Europe with her highly popular jazz repertoire laced with blues-oriented improvisations. Evident in Shawnn’s liveliness of lyrical phrasing and intermittent scat variations is the influences of Carmen McRae and Sarah Vaughan, from whom she draws that inner core of creative energy. But good genes help, too. Shawnn’s father was the late renowned bassist Jimmy Woode, veteran of the Duke Ellington band. Throw into the mix, a lot of musical inspiration and guidance from her Godfather, Clark Terry, and you come up with a combination that can’t miss. Percussion great and latin/jazz impressario Mongo Santamaria discovered Shawnn working in a club in San Jose, California and signed her on the spot to tour with his band. Shawnn electrified audiences as his only vocalist and female percussionist during that two-year circuit where she shared the stage with such greats as Stan Kenton, Celia Cruz, the Fania All-Stars, and Weather Report. Since then, Shawnn has shared the state with a prestigious list of notables jazz names: Clark Terry, Red Holloway, Ray Brown, Lionel Hampton, Frank Foster and the Basie Band, Nat Adderly, Kenny Barron, Hank Jones, Bobby Durham, James Williams, Jimmy Cobb, Keter Betts, Stanley Jordan, Ed Thigpen, Johnny Griffin, and Benny Golson….to name a few. Ms. Monteiro has delighted audiences from the USA to Europe with her highly popular jazz repertoire laced with blues-oriented improvisations and the American Songbook. The true quality of Shawnn’s voice is best experienced in the ultimate setting of the club dates where her warm charisma can be personally felt by those fortunate enough to spend an evening with her, She continues to teach Master Classes all over the world, including one ongoing every summer in Italy since 1995. She is an adjunct Professor at the Hartt School/Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz , University of Hartford, Hartford, Connecticut and also Rhode Island College in Providence Rhode Island. Her popularity continues to grow as clubgoers from Los Angeles to Rome extol the special feelings they share as she lulls them into a mellow mood as only a sensitive jazz vocalist can do. The true magical quality of Shawnn’s exciting voice is best experienced in the ultimate setting of the club dates where her warm charisma can be personally felt by those fortunate enough to spend and evening with her. Shawnn teaches a Master Vocal Class in Rome and Genova, Italy every summer. (Ongoing since 1995) Artist in Residence – 2 Years at Rhode Island College (Jazz Vocals) She is also an adjunct Professor (in Jazz Vocals) at both Rhode Island College, Providence, RI and Harrt School of Music, Univ. of Hartford, Hartford, CT.
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Music industry consultant and publicist Ginny Shea has garnered international exposure for her clients through radio and video promotion, print media, and her vast industry network.
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Music industry consultant and publicist Ginny Shea has garnered international exposure for her clients through radio and video promotion, print media, and her vast industry network.
