CD Review: Joyann Parker, "Roots"

Its been quite a long time since I reviewed a country Blues album on this blog, but I just couldn't pass by Joyann Parker's new CD, "Roots".  Blues singer and composer Joyann Parker has an immensely powerful voice and is a world-class composer.  Her songs tell powerful stories, and when she sings you can feel her Blues and Rock and Roll roots.  Her music is uplifting and some times humorous.  I have attached her composition "Stay Home Mama" that I know every mother will relate to.  Joyann is a classically trained pianist with a degree from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.  "Roots" is more than a Blues album, it showcases Joyann's ability to perform and compose at the top level in many different genres of music including Blues, Rhythm & Blues,  Rock and Roll, Country Rock and Gospel. 

Joyann Parker has a strong, brassy, clear voice and everything she composes and performs is real and believable.   Her talents include mastery of the keyboard, Vocals, Guitar, Composing and Arranging.  She is a mega star in all aspects.  "Roots" is another classic Blues album from Joyann and follows her critically acclaimed 2021 release "Out of the Dark".  I know you will enjoy her singing and songs on "Roots".  I have attached another cut from her album, "Faintly Optimistic" which is written and performed in the style of musician Bob Seger.  

According to Parker, "Every time I make a record, I think, "Oh, maybe I should make it more in a particular vein.  Maybe a Blues project that can be marketed to the Blues audience.  But I can't do that. My roots are everything. I go everywhere, but it's still me, and I'm cool with that".  Well, Joyann Parker, we are cool with that too!

PLAYLIST:

1. Roots

2. Faintly Optimistic

3. Wash It Away

4. Closing Someone Else's Blinds

5. What's Good For You

6. Juxtaposition

7. Old Flame

8. Ain't Got Time To Cry

9. Forsaken

10. Miss Evangeline

11. Going Under

12. Stay Home Mama

13. Sconnie Girl 

PLAYERS:

Joyann Parker- Lead Vocals, Guitars, Keyboard, Compositions, Arrangements

Mark Lamoine- Guitars, Background Vocals

Tim Wick- Keyboards

Chris Bates- Bass

Bill Golden- Drums, Percussion

Scott Graves- Trombone

Rich Manik- Saxophone

Dave Foley- Trumpet

Steve Roehm- Marimbo

Cierra Hill- Strings

Paul Odegaard- Trumpet

Chris Silver- Mandolin

Patricia Lacey- Background Vocals

Nester Theba- Background Vocals

Sarah Morris- Background Vocals

Chris Kroeze- Background Vocals

                                                                    "Faintly Optimistic"

                                                                       "Stay Home Mama"

                                                             

CD Review: Audrey Silver, "Oklahoma"

"Oklahoma" has always been one of my favorite musicals and it Jazz Vocalist and Song Writer, Audrey Silver also has a deep love for this classic American musical.  Therefore her lastest CD release, "Oklahoma" is a special present for me and my readers.   Silver's "Oklahoma" is her fifth CD as leader. Audrey Silver studies every lyric in the same way an anthropologist studies newly discovered ancient bones.  She wants to get the full understanding of what the lyricists are saying.  As you listen to the two songs from this CD that I have attached, I think you will agree with me.

Audrey Silver is a professional Jazz Vocalist in everyway!  She is always looking for great music and lyrics that put forth a story and then she performs these songs by adding her own Jazz interpretations.  When you combine with Silver's ability to sing with her clear, creamy voice, the results are always spectacular.  She brings are own special phrasing to each familar song that causes a rebirth of pleasure for listeners young and old.

I want you to read a quote from Christopher London which was published in the JazzTimes, "If a name ever fit a performer, it is Silver's, for her voice is like pure sterling.  Her phrasing is exquisite, her clarity and enunciation on par with the great Jo Stafford and her breath control-a talent so often, and so wrongfully, overlooked-rivals Sinatra's".   London's quote is exactly how I feel about Audrey Silver.

                                                             "Oh What A Beautiful Day"

                                                                     "Out Of My Dreams"
PLAYERS:

Audrey Silver- Vocals, Native American Flute, Producer

Bruce Barth- Piano, Arrangements

Peter Bernstein- Guitar

Adam Kolker- Alto Flute, Bass Clarinet

Kahlil Kwame Bell- Percussion

Sarah Zun- Violin

Adda Kridler- Violin

Kaya Bryla-Viola

Maria Jeffers- Cello 

All songs by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein 

PLAYLIST:

1. Oklahoma

2. Many a New Day

3. Oh What a Beautiful Mornin

4. I Cain't Say No

5. The Surrey With the Fringe on Top

6. Out of My Dreams

7. People Will Say We're in Love

8. Kansas City

9. Boys and Girls Like You and Me

10. Oklahoma (Reprise)