When I took a look at the cover of this new, soon-to-be-released CD, "To Each" I was not sure I wanted to review it. The art work on the cover is hip and modern and yet left me with no clue as to what kind of music was inside. But my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to give it a listen. I am so glad I did. All of the songs were written by Ari Shagal who turns out to be a sensational song writer. The words and medodies are fresh, new and exciting. Ari Shagal is without doubt one of the brightest songwriters writing today. Her melodies are strong and her lyrics are current, hip and intelligent. This CD could easily become the score for a New York play. Each song is easy to listen to and each song tells its own short story.
The group of musicians that created this CD are an exceptionally talented especially group. Each of the lead singers, Ferima Faye, Matthew Lomeo, Ari Shagal and the great Jazz volcalist Kenny Washington could easily star on their own CDs. The large cast of supporting musicians are also wonderful in every way resulting in a perfectly balanced joining of instruments with voice. I would have liked to see a picture of Ari Shagal and the other major singers. I believe it will become one of the best CD's of 2013. As to a description of the kind of music on the CD, I would have to say that it is a mix of Jazz, Pop and Soul combined with wonderful story-telling lyrics. This is the first CD from Ari Shagal and "The Summarily Dismissed" and it's a blockbuster! Ari Shagal does everything on this CD, sing, compose, arrange and play piano and organ, synthesizer and keyboard. She is a major league talent! I am so glad I decided to listen to this CD!
There was a large and super talented supporting cast chosen by Ari on this CD:
Singers:
Ferima Faye
Matthew Lomeo
Kenny Washington
Guitar:
Joe Davi
Drums:
Eric Halvorson
Bass:
Pat O'Leary
Vibraphone:
Francesco Picarazzi
Hand Percession:
Joanne J-Bird Phillips
Bongos & Congas:
Nydia Mata
Trumpet:
Joe Ancowitz
Trumbone:
Danny Kirkhum
Vera Von Banchet
Alto & Tenor Sax:
Jessica Lurie
Tenor and Baritone Sax:
Tina Richerson
Percussion:
Rex Benincasa
Backing Vocals:
Liza Lee
Dominic Infererra
A.J. Sidebottom
Suraj Kumar
Viola:
Dina Maccabee
Baritone Sax:
Martin Peters
Congratulations to Ari Shagal and the wonderfully talented performers on "To Each"for creating what will surely be one of the best CD's of 2013!
