CD Review: Adrianne Duncan, "Gemini"

Pianist, Composer, Arranger and Vocalist Adrianne Duncan has released her new CD, "Gemini".  Adrianne is joined on this CD by some sensational supporting side-men who help to make this CD a delight for the ears.  Adrianne Duncan is a sensitive and thoughtful songwriter and the songs she composes match her soft, sensitive voice perfectly.  Her singing and song writing bring to mind Joni Mitchell and I say this as an extreme complement.  Her songs have a story entwined in them.  

Adrianne is a classically trained Piano player and a student of the study of music.  She offers, "My starting to write was a direct result of studying Jazz Piano. I didn't think it would lead to composing; my intention was just to start accompanying myself". 

All the songs on this CD have an original short story attached.  Adrianne writes poetry then infuses it within beautiful music melodies .  She is a major talent who will receive major national recognition over the coming years!

Joining Adrianne on this CD is the always wonderful Nick Mancini who continues to impress with his high-level virtuosity on the Vibraphone.  Just as remarkable are Dan Lutz on Bass, Jimmy Branly on Drums, Katisse Buckingham on Flute and Saxophone and John Tegmeyer on Clarinet.

Adrianne wrote all the songs on the CD with the exception of some very creative reharmoizing on the 1978 classic rock song "Roxanne" by the Police.

I have selected two "YouTubes" for you to listen to.  The first is her original "He's Not Quite You".  According to Adrianne this song "Predicts the end of a relationship".  Mancini provides an energized vibe solo that turns this ballad into a delightful samba at its end.  The second song I selected was the title tune, "Gemini".  An instrumental that allows Adrianne to display her composing and Piano chops.  The arrangement is terrific with Flute and Clarinet trading solos.

PLAYLIST:

1. He's Not Quite You

2. Elijah

3. Gemini

4. Home At Last

5. Roxanne

PLAYERS:

Adrianne Duncan-Piano, Vocals, Songwriting, Arrangements

Nick Mancini-Vibraphone

Dan Lutz-Bass

Jimmy Branly-Drums

Katisse Buckingham-Flute, Saxophone

John Tegmeyer-Clarinet

                                                                        "He's Not Quite You"

                                                                             "Gemini"