CD Review: Chloe Jean: "Fairy Tale Fail"

                

Jazz Vocalist and Songwriter Chole Jean has just released her new CD, "Fairy Tale Fail".  The CD playlist is very interesting because it combines five original compositions, covers of four classic standards and a latin arrangement of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy".  The playlist illustrates Chloe Jean's ability to perform across many music styles with the same high level of vocal skills.  Chloe lyrics are very personal and give us insight into her own life and experiences. Success in the music business environment today is beyond hard for artist. It's brutal and Chloe's title song, "Fairy Tale Fail" warns us that life does not have Disney endings.  "Prince charming may "pick you up, but eventually lets you down."Musicans performing today need unbelievable strength to keep pursuing their musical dreams.  Chloe like all musicians  experienced times when she questioned her motives about pursing music as a career.  Fortunately for us, she has worked through these dark periods and now has published proof of her skills as a Vocialist and Composer.  Her voice is strong and clear with a sort of bluesy quality to it.  Her phrasing is at times R & B inspired, but in her CD she proves without a doubt that she can handle time honored standards also with no problem.

Guitarist Ray Oviedo did a wonderful job producing and arranging this CD.   The supporting cast of musicians contributing to this CD are all seasoned musicians and performed at the highest level.  All and all, I found this CD very enjoyable and accessible.  I love Chloe's music and lyrics and thought she handled the standards perfectly.  If you are a fan of exceptionally good Jazz vocals make sure you buy this CD, and I am positive Chloe Jean will quickly become one of your favorites.

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to that will present Chloe's talents clearly to you. The first is a cover of Billie Eilish's "Bad Guy" that I found interesting. The second is an original titled "Crazy" that speaks to the insane behavior that one echibits when in love. 

                                                                    "Bad Guy"

                                                                        "Crazy"

PLAYLIST:

1. Black Sheep

2. Cry Me A River

3. Fairy Tale Fail

4. I Left My Heart in San Francisco

5. Don't Know Why

6. Bad Guy

7. Free

8. Where Love Began

9. Crazy

10 First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

11. Blue Skies

PLAYERS:

Chloe Jean-Vocals, Compositions

David K. Mathews-Keyboard

Marc Van Wageningen-Bass

Peter Michael Escovedo-Percussion

Peter Horvath-Piano

Dan Feiszli-Bass

Billy Johnson-Drums

Jason Lewis-Drums

Mike Olmos-Trumpet

Norbert Stachel-Tenor Sax

Charles McNeal-Tenor Sax

CD Review: Kenny Washington, "What's The Hurry"

World-renowned Vocalist Kenny Washington has releases a new CD, "What's The Hurry".  It's hard to believe that this is Kenny Washington's first studio album, hence the title "What's The Hurry". This CD is a joy for anyone who loves vocalists who still sing standards out of the "Great American Songbook"  with classic Jazz phrasing, sensitivity, warm tones and class.  Here is what Wynton Marsalis has to say about Kenny Washington's singing " I love this man! He's a consummate professional, with impeccable intonation. He's a real improviser who brings depth to everything he does."  I could not agree more.  Kenny Washington is a gift to all lovers of classic standards.   Kenny makes singing seem simple and easy but don't get fooled by his relaxed style.  He makes lyrics that may have been asleep for a while come back to life with full emotional understanding.  Once you listen to "What's The Hurry"  I guarantee you can not just listen to it once...It will call you back again and again.

Kenny has gathered some of the best talented musicians in the country, led by the young genius Jazz pianist Josh Nelson.   Josh in addition to providing perfect piano support for Washington and all the wonderful tunes on this CD, wrote all of the sparkling arrangements.  Take a good look at the list of players attached below and I am sure you will agree that it contains the best of the best Jazz musicians playing today.

I honestly had a most difficult time selecting two tunes from this CD because every song was at the top of my list.  I settled on these two but I would have attached the complete CD.  My first pick is the Rodgers and Hart classic "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered".  My second pick is the Jobin/Moraes "Chega De Saudade" with Lyric by Jon Hendricks.  

Do yourself a musical favor and buy this album, it will keep giving you joy for years!  Better yet, buy a few to give as Christmas presents. 

Playlist: 

Players:

Ken Washington- Vocals

Josh Nelson-Piano

Gary Brown- Acoustic Bass

Lorca Hart- Drums

Victor Goines- Tenor Sax and Clarinet

Jeff Massanari- Guitar

Mike Olmos- Trumpet

Peter Michael Escovedo- Bongos

Dan Feiszli- Acoustic Bass

Jeff Cressman- Trombone

Ami Molinelli-Hart- Percussion

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                                                      "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered"

                                                     "No More Blues" (Chega De Saudade)