CD Review: Ermelinda Cuellar, "Under A Lavender Sky"

 

Vocalist Ermelinda Cuellar has just released her new CD, "Under A Lavender Sky".  Ermelinda is an American singer of Peruvian descent who lives in Houston, Texas.  She collected songs for her CD that were inspired by her mother's journey from Peru to Texas to achieve a better life for her child.  The playlist for this CD is a beautiful blend of American and Spanish tunes that Ermelinda navigates perfectly with her warm and confident voice.  The switch from English to Spanish lyrics presents no problem for Ms Cuellar who is one of the most sought after musicians in the Houston area specializing in American, Latin and Spanish Jazz vocals.  With the release of her new CD, Ermelinda Cuellar will gain well deserved recognition from American and Latin Jazz lovers across the US. 

The Arrangements for this CD which were created by Horace Alexander Young with help from Cuellar are bright and refreshing and a musical joy when combined with Cuellar's vocals. 

I have attached two "YouTube" videos of songs from "Under Lavender Sky" so you can get to know Ermelinda Cuellar.  The first is a lovely Latin inspired tune written by Cesar Portillo de la Luz titled "Tu, Mi, Delirio".  The second attachment is the American classic, "Midnight Sun" written by Sonny Burke,  Lionel Hampton and Johnny Mercer.

PLAYLIST:

1. Poinciana

2. Echos of the Past

3. Morning

4. Muenca Rota

5. Agua de Beber

6. Midnight Sun

7.. Song For My Father

8. Maria Lando

9. Tu, Mi Delirio

10. Sol De Medianoche

PLAYERS:

Vocals: Ermelinda Cuellar

             Anthony Caceres 2,3,8

Piano: Darrell Lavigne 3,4,5,6,7,9,10

Guitar: Greg Petito

Bass: Anthony Caceres

Drums: Jerre Jackson 2,3,4,5,6,9,10

Percussion: Sam Dinkins III 2,3,4,7

                    Marion Simon

Trumpet: Myron Jackson 3,9

Trombone: Andre Hayward 3,6,7,9,10

Saxophone: Horace Alexander Young 3.9.10

Flute: Horace Alexander Young 5

Accordion: Deborah Ungar 4

Cello: Steven Barrett Sills 8

                                                                "Tu, Mi, Delirio"

                                                                    "Midnight Sun"

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: Kellye Gray, "Rendering"

"Rendering" is a new CD released on June 30, 2017 by Jazz vocalist, Kellye Gray.  The first time I played this CD I was literally stunned by the soulful and powerful voice and style of Kellye Gray.  The feel and sound of the songs on this CD are nothing short of superb.  Kellye has had a long and rewarding career and has recorded over seven albums as a leader.  Her first recording "Standards in Gray" was released 25 years ago to rave reviews and it launched her music career.  This album had been out of print for over 23 years when the record label that owned the rights gave her ownership
of the master.  This pushed Kellye to look back at her artistic life and she decided to re-record many of the same songs that appeared on that first release.  The title of her new CD, "Rendering" came from the dictionary definition, "A depiction or interpretation; work of art or performance that portrays something".  This CD is a work of art that portrays Kellye's growth as an artist.  To complete the circle for listeners of this new CD, Kellye also re-released "Standards in Gray" and packaged the two CDs together as a kind of snapshot of then and now.

According to Kellye, "As a Jazz musician, the most exciting thing about the music is its spontaneity, so this new CD was recorded before a small live audience with open mikes and no headphones.  All the tunes were done in one take with no stopping".  The results are spectacular!  Every song on this CD is a winner, Jazz vocals just about perfect.  Kellye Gray is "Sinatra" like in the way she handles lyrics,  she takes words and turns them into real life moments.

Supporting Kellye on this CD is a group of great Jazz professionals, Pamela York, Piano; David Craig, Bass; Sebastian Whittaker, Drums; Warren Sneed, Saxophone; Andre Hayward, Trombone.  Trying to select one track to share with you was near impossible because there is so much good stuff on this CD.  So I attached two "YouTubes" for you to savor.  The first one is a Billie Holiday inspired song "Don't Explain".  The second "YouTube" is the Blues classic, "I've Got A Right To Sing the Blues".

Playlist
1.  "Don't Explain"
2.  "I've Got A Right To Sing The Blues"
3.  "Morning"
4.  "Out Blows Me"
5. "A Time For Love"
6.  "God You Make Me Wonder"
7.  "How Long Has This Been Going On"
8.  "How Insensitive"
9.  "Good Morning Heartache"