CD Review: Jeremy Monteiro, "Sings"

Pianist and Vocalist Jeremy Monteiro has just released his 47th album titled "Sings".  Jeremy is known as Singapore's "King of Swing" and has spent his last 46 years as a performer, educator, and prolific recording artist.  Jeremy Monteiro is a master of Jazz Piano and has performed with many of the world's greatest Jazz instrumentalists including James Moody, Benny Golson, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker and  Lee Ritenour just to name a few.  But Monteiro has also worked with some of the greatest Jazz Vocalists including Jon Hendricks, Bobby McFerrin, Nancy Kelly, Cassandra Wilson and Carmen Bradford. 

"Sings" represents Jeremy Monteiro's first full Vocal album and it's a very satisfying CD to listen to.  "Sings" includes 10 classic standards that never gets old.  The Great American Songbook is always warming and comfortable everywhere in the world and especially in Singapore.  Even though you can hear a slight accent when Monteiro sings, he is no stranger to the meaning of the lyrics.  The story of each song's lyric appears clear and bright.  His phrasing is perfect and shows he fully understands the composer's intent when writing these  beautiful songs. 

As you listen to the two songs from this CD that I have attached, notice Monteiro's gentle approach to each melody that provides the perfect setting for the brilliant lyrics.  Also, notice the musicianship of the group of European and Asian Jazz musicians Monteiro brought together for the album.  They are all master professionals who also understand music from the Great American Songbook. 

Even thought Monteiro published 46 CDs before releasing his first Jazz Vocalist CD, it was worth the wait. Congratulations Jeremy,  on creating this fine CD.  I would also suggest to my readers to do some research to access Jeremy Monteiro's other Jazz Piano albums.   He is a world class Jazz Pianist who every Jazz lover should experience.  I have added a "YouTube" of  a live performance of Jeremy Monteiro and Jazz Brasileiro performing a stunning rendition of "Manha de Carnival "that some know as "Black Orpheus".

PLAYERS:

Jeremy Monteiro- Piano & Vocals

Tony Lakatos- Saxophones

Wesley Gehring- Guitars

Jens Bunge- Harmonica

Ben Poh- Bass

Hong Chanter Techatananan- Drums

The Jeremy Monteiro Jazz Sinfonietta Strings

PLAYLIST:

1. Candy

2. Smile

3. Josefina

4. Moon River

5. Blame It On My Youth

6. Let's Fall In Love

7. You'll Never Know

8. Walkin My Baby Back Home

9. My Romance

10. Softly As I Leave You

  

                                                                               "Candy"

                                                               "Walking My Baby Back Home"

                                                                 " Manha de Carnaval"