Vocalist Melinda Rose and Pianist Frenchy Romero grew up within blocks of each other in Miami and while they never attended the same school together, both were attracted to straight-ahead Jazz. In 2022 Rose was invited to audition to be the first vocalist for a U.S. Army big band called, the Army Blues. She won the position and moved to Washington, D.C. to join the band About two months later Rose saw an announcement for a Pianist in another Army band at the same base. She shared the news with Romero, who won the job. These events allowed the talented duo to continue to collaborate as a Jazz duo. "I'm On My Way" is the first product of their musical efforts and it's a stunning new Jazz CD. There is something very special when these two musicians work together. First, Melinda Rose has a gorgeous, pure, velvet yet strong voice that is so refreshing to listen to especially compared to what seems to be popular today. Her voice evokes vocal images of Nancy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day but with her own personal styling. Pianist Frenchy Romero delivers a master class on how to accompany a great vocalist. She is creative and supportive but never interrupts Melinda's vocals. What a pleasure to listen to these two young and talented musicians. There is great sensitivity between these friends that produces some of the best Jazz I have heard in a long time. The playlist this duo put together is diverse and magical.. The CD has 6 standards, some old and some new and 4 orginials composed by Melinda Rose. This CD is a dream album for any Jazz vocalist fan. Thank you Melinda and Frenchy and please get busy on your next CD!
I have attached two "YouTube" videos of songs from "I'm On My Way". It took me a lot of time to select 2 songs out of the 10 on this CD because I liked every song. The first selection is a beautiful rendition of Stevie Wonder's "If It's Magic" and this version is magic to me! The second song is the Nancy Wilson classic "You Can Have Him" written by Irvin Berlin that is simply a beautiful performance!
Brazilian born Sergio Pereira has just published his new CD, "Bossa+" that adds to his long list of outstanding Brazilian music he has shared with us. "Bossa+" is distinguished by its live studio recordings. This method captures the spontaneity, elegance, and vibrant energy inherent in Bossa Nova and Jazz. "Bossa+" contains 6 orginial Pereira compositions and one cover "There Will Never Be Another You". If you had just landed on planet Earth and this CD was your first experience with Bossa Nova music, I guarantee you would only have to hear the songs on this CD once to completely fall in love with this music. The album is more than a mere collection of songs. It is an immersive experience that showcases the fusion of Bossa Nova with other Brazilian rhythms, all while being infused with the improvisational spirit of Jazz.
I have attached two "YouTube" videos playing two songs from the CD. The first is an orginial Pereira composition called "Desamor" that features a vocal from Sergio Pereira. It's a perfect sound that will make you warm and comfortable as soon as you listen to it. The second is the beautiful up-tempo verison of the Warren and Gordon standard "There Will Never Be Another You". The Trumpet and Flugelhorn parts showcase an outstanding performance by Chipi Chacon.
