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"