CD Review: Ashley Locheed & Chris Rottmayer, "So In Love"

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Two extremely accomplished musicians, Ashley Locheed and Chris Rottmayer have joined forces to record and release a wonderful new CD, "So In Love".  The CD is a wonderful example of how the beautiful songs out of the " American Songbook" can still light up your musical ears!  Vocalist, Bandleader Ashley Locheed has an impressive resume.  She recently headlined the Musica per i Borghi Festival in Umbria, Italy with The Perugia Big Band.  Locheed tours regularly with two-time Grammy winner, Michael Bolton and also performs with Engelbert Humperdinck.  She has also opened for the legendary Arturo Sandoval.  Once you hear Ashley sing you will understand why she is in demand as a vocalist.  Her voice is soft and yet strong and clear.  Her phrasing is at the highest level as you will hear in the "YouTube" video I have attached with Ashley singing the difficult but amazing  Thelonious Monk classic "Round Midnight".   When I listen to Ashley sing her voice reminds me of Doris Day in her prime.   

Jazz Pianist,  Composer and Jazz Vibraphonist Chris Rottmayer has been performing since 1990.  Chris has been a Pianist for Walt Disney World since 1999.  Chris is currently the Instructor of Jazz Piano at the highly rated University of South Florida.  His performance on this CD is a perfect blend of Jazz Piano  and Vocal support for Ashley.  Chris and Bassist Chuck Archard did the Arrangements and they are perfect for Ashley and all the world-class composers whose songs are on this CD.  Take a look at the playlist of standards and pop tunes that will soon become standards.

Usually these great standards would call for a stand-up Bass to give them justice but the Electric Bass work by Chuck Archard is nothing short of brilliant.  The Drum work from Keith Wilson is a perfect compliment for his three band members.  In particular, his cymbal work is creative and supportive of the group sound.

Players:

Chris Rottmayer-Piano

Ashley Locheed-Vocals

Keith Wilson-Drums

Chuck Archard-Electric Bass

Playlist:

1. So In Love,  Cole Porter

2. Agua de Beber, Antonio Carlos Jobim

3. Round Midnight, Thelonious Monk

4. Day In, Day Out, Rube Bloom, Lyrics Johnny Mercer

5. I Love Paris, Cole Porter

6. Something So Right, Paul Simon

7.  Summer Wind, Heinz Meier, Lyrics Johnny Mercer

8. Sailing, Christopher Cross

9. Windmills Of Your Mind,  Michel Legrand

10. La Vie en Rose, Louiguy

11. So In Love, Cole Porter

 I have attached two "YouTube' videos for your listening pleasure.  The first is a Paul Simon gem "Something So Right" and the second one is the Monk standard "Round Midnight".  

                                                                "So In Love"

                                                                'Round Midnight"