CD Review: Katherine Farnham "Alquimia"

 Vocalist, Pianist, Arranger and Composer Katherine Farnham has released her first Latin Jazz CD, "Alquimia".  The first song on the CD that I listened to was "Tango" and I was knocked out by her powerful and clear voice.  The last time I reacted this way to a new voice was after I heard Christina Aguilera sing at age 15.  Katherine Farnham has one of the brightest new voices singing today and singing is only one of her talents.  She composes wonderful music and lyrics and then combines them with creative arrangements.  She is on her way to becoming a megastar.  Katherine gathered 9 songs for this album, some originals and some popular Latin songs.  Two songs I have attached were written and arranged by Katherine Farnham.   Katherine has the ability to sing in four-octaves and is classically trained.  Over the past few years she has been awarded twelve music awards and no doubt there will be many more in her future.

"Alquimia" is a Latin Jazz album but its musical qualities will call out to you even if you don't speak Spanish.  Great music and singing needs no translation.  

Katherine's supporting cast includes and features four-time Grammy Nominee Denny Joist,  well known and beloved Latin artist Guinga and Latin Grammy winner Nestor Torres.

This is an outstanding new Jazz CD released by an outstanding young and talented woman!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure both composed by Katherine.  The first tune is "Tango" and everything about this song is special, the vocals, the music and the lyrics and the second song is "Discricao".  

                                                                        "Tango"

                                                                         "Discricao"

PLAYERS:

Katherine Farnham- Vocals, Piano,Keyboards, Percussion, Composing and Arranging

Nestor Torres- Flute

Denny Joist, Andres Canola, Guinga- Acoustic & Electric Guitars

Roy Vogt- Bass

Marcus Finnie & Rich Adams- Drums

Andres Canola & RIch Adams- Percussion

PLAYLIST:

1. Tango

2. Onde Esta Meu Amor

3. Discricao

4. A Vox do Mundo

5. Besame Mucho

6. Eternidad

7. So Tinha De Ser Com Voce

8. Discricao (Extended Verison)

9. A Vox do Mundo (Acoustic Version)

CD Review: Doug MacDonald "I'll See You In My Dreams"

 

Multi-talented Guitarist Doug MacDonald has released a new CD, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and it's exactly what the best of American Jazz is about.  Doug has included a group of standards and two of his own original compositions on the CD.  In addition, he has brought with him one of the finest Jazz trios performing today, Pianist Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton on Bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums.  Doug's life evolves around music.  He is always experimenting with music both old and new, recording new CDs, composing and an MC at a local Southern California radio Jazz show.  Doug performs almost nightly in every part of Southern California to the delight of his thousands of fans.

If someone new to Jazz had any questions about what American Jazz is all about they need to listen to Doug's new CD.  Doug and the three musicians playing on this CD have performed some of the greatest music in the country.   All four musicians are outstanding whether playing solo or playing in a group.  

Doug offers these reflextions on why he did this recording. "In the mid-eighties I was a member of the Snooky Young/Bob Cooper Sextet, The Jack Sheldon Group and played in an early version of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Now here we are almost 40 years later, together again".  We are also delighted that Doug, Tamir, John and Jeff got together again!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos from this CD.  The first is the Matt Dennis/Tony Adair standard, "Will You Still Be Mine" and the second is a delightful Blues tune "New Mark".

                                                                  "Will You Still Be Mine"

                                                                       "New Mark"

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar

Tamir Hendelman- Piano

John Clayton- Bass

Jeff Hamilton- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. I'll See You In My Dreams

2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

3. Don'Cha GO Way Mad

4. My Ship

5. New Mark

6. Easy To Love

7. Tis Autumn

8. More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows

9. Will You Still Be Mine