CD Review: Ermelinda Cuellar, "What A Difference A Day Made"

 Jazz Vocalist Ermelinda Cuellar has just released her new CD, "What a Difference a Day Made".  The CD contains a wonderful mix of two originals and re-imagined Jazz standards.  Ermelinda has a very interesting background that has influenced her musical career.  Born to Peruvian immigrant parents, Ermelinda was exposed to a variety of music at a very young age.  Her parents worked often at lavish parties in Texas where she watched in amazement as musicians created beautiful sounds and this experience convinced her that a music career was what she wanted.  She went on to graduate from the Moores School of music at the University of Houston with a degree in Opera Performance and worked professionally in Opera and musical theatre for many years before focusing her direction on Jazz.  Once arriving in the Jazz world, Ermelinda knew this was the perfect career direction for her and she began finding her own unique sound. "What a Difference a Day Made" is her tribute to her love and study of Jazz vocals.  

Ermelinda Cuellar has a clear, strong voice and her phrasing is flawless.  When she sings it comes out clear, relaxed and comfortable.  She has the talent and experience to become a staple vocalist on the world Jazz scene.  I personally congratulate Ermelinda for the massive effect she has put in to get herself to this high level of vocal Jazz performance.  

Ermelinda has selected a group of some of the best musicians performing in Texas to join her.  She allows plenty of space in her CD for these professionals to shine and the mix with her vocals makes this CD even more enjoyable.

PLAYLIST:

1. Man with a Horn

2. Sabor a Mi

3. Al Mal Tiempo Buena Cara

4. I Could Have Danced All Night

5. Midnight Sun

6. Angelitos Negros

7. What a Difference A Day Made

8. Duerme Nino

9. Who's Crying Now

10. Historia De Un Amor

11. Alone Together

PLAYERS:

Ermelinda Cuellar-Vocals, Composer

Gilbert Sedeno-Piano

Greg Petito-Guitar

Anthony Caceres-Bass

Andre Hayward-Trombone

Marlon Simon-Drums & Percussion

(In Memory of) Anibal Ambert-Percussion

I have attached two "YouTubes" for your listening pleasure.  The first song is the classic Latin favorite "Sabor a Mi".  The second song is "I Could Have Danced All Night" with a Latin rhythm and Ermelinda Cuellar reminding me of one of her heroes, Ella Fitzgerald.

                                                                     "Sabor a Mi"

                                                             "I Could Have Danced All Night"

   

CD Review: "3 More Sounds Play Ray Charles"

 3 More Sounds is one of my favorite Jazz trios!  They are out with another winning CD, "3 More Sounds Play Ray Charles".  This prolific trio continues to make outstanding music!  And it's no wonder, since the 3 remarkable musicians involved are at the highest level of musical performance.  Robert Turner never fails to impress his listeners with strong overtones of his hero, Gene Harris.  Henry Franklin provides incredibly strong bass lines and solos and the third member of this trio, musical veteran Carl Burnett provides the final solid rhythm support for the group.  These cool cats can play anything and it always comes out great!

This CD is a tribute to the late and great Ray Charles.  It's hard to describe the talents of Ray Charles but let's start with Ray's unique vocal delivery and soulful phrasing.  How do you duplicate Ray's approach in an instrumental recording?  Look no further than this new CD that 3 More Sounds has recorded. They capture the brilliance of Ray Charles performing some of the songs he made famous. 

3  More Sounds should win an Emmy for this CD.  It's the kind of music you can listen to all night and it never gets old.  Robert Turner, Henry Franklin and Carl Burnett you rock! 

I attached 2 "YouTube" videos for your listening enjoyment.  The first is an up-tempo version of "Let the Good Times Roll" and the second is the Percy Mayfield gem, "Hit The Road Jack".  Please support this wonderful trio and music in general by buying this CD.  You will be playing it for years to come! 

Playlist:

1. Let the Good Times Roll

2. Unchain My Heart

3. Hit The Road Jack

4. Georgia on My Mind

5. Moonlight in Vermont

6. Halleluja I love Her So

7. Cry Me a River

8. I Can't Stop Loving You

9. Drown in My Own Tears

10. Hit the Road Jack (Alt)

Players:

Robert Turner-Piano 

Henry Franklin-Bass

Carl Burnett-Drums 

                                                                       "Halleluja I Love Her So"

                                                                       "Hit The Road Jack"