CD Review: Deborah Shulman "We Had A Moment"

 

Deborah Shulman – “We Had A Moment"

Vocalist Deborah Shulman has just released her sixth album, We Had A Moment, and it’s a beauty. The eclectic playlist of standards she’s chosen for this CD is deeply personal — each song has a story and meaning connected to her life. The selections reflect irony, grief, grace, and love, and together they form a portrait of a vocalist who truly lives what she sings. The result is a wonderful gift to her listeners.

Deborah Shulman is one of those rare vocalists who can take a standard you’ve heard hundreds of times and make it sound completely new again. That’s not something that can be faked — it comes only from life experience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the lyric. Every track here shows that she feels and believes every word she sings.

There are ten songs on We Had a Moment, and each one is a gem.

PLAYLIST:

1. Anyone Can Whistle — Stephen Sondheim

2. No Moon at All — David Mann & Red Evans

3. Without a Song — Vincent Youmans, Billy Rose & Edward Eliscu

4. New York State of Mind / On Broadway — Billy Joel / Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller

5. With So Little to Be Sure Of — Stephen Sondheim

6. Goodbye Love / Not Like This — Richard Rudolph & Jeremy Lubbock

7. The Laughter and the Tears — Randy Edelman

8. Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea — Harold Arlen & Ted Koehler

9. Miss Otis Regrets — Cole Porter

10. You Must Believe in Spring — Michel Legrand, Alan & Marilyn Bergman

Seven of these tracks were recorded with her longtime pianist and arranger Jeff Colella, and three with pianist and arranger Terry Trotter. Both are master musicians, and it’s fascinating to hear their distinct approaches. Colella’s arrangements feel intimate, harmonically rich, and conversational — he creates space for Deborah’s voice to explore emotional depth. Trotter brings his own elegant phrasing and understated sophistication. Hearing both pianists on one record is a master class in how two great minds can interpret the same vocalist differently but beautifully.

In addition to these two remarkable pianists, Deborah brought together a dream team of musicians — every one of them a hall-of-fame player:

PLAYERS:

• Vocals: Deborah Shulman

• Piano & Arrangements: Jeff Colella

• Piano & Arrangements: Terry Trotter

• Guitar: Larry Koonse

• Bass: Kenny Wild and Chris Colangelo

• Drums: Joe LaBarbera and Kendall Kay

Each of these musicians brings heart, skill, and decades of experience to the project. The result is a sound that is warm, deeply musical, and refreshingly honest.

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

• Produced by: Deborah Shulman and Jeff Colella

• Recorded at: Tritone Studios, Glendale, California

• Engineered and Mixed by: Talley Sherwood

• Mastered by: Paul Tavenner

• Label: Summit Records (Released 2024)

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We Had A Moment is a brilliant CD that will bring joy to listeners for many years to come. These songs are more than performances — they’re stories, reflections, and moments of truth.

Deborah Shulman, I personally thank you for your artistry and for breathing new life into these great songs once again. Your voice, your insight, and your heart make this album unforgettable.

I have attached two songs from "We Had A Moment" for your listening pleasure.  The first song composed by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler is "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea".  The second is one of my all-time favorites, "Miss Otis Regrets" written by Cole Porter". 

                                                       "The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea"

                                                                    "Miss Otis Regrets"

CD Review: Antonia Bennett, "Expressions"

When you’re the daughter of a legend like Tony Bennett, the expectations can feel overwhelming—but Antonia Bennett rises beautifully to the challenge. With Expressions, she steps out confidently from her father’s shadow and into her own well-deserved spotlight.

For 15 years, Antonia shared the stage as her father’s opening act, quietly building her craft and learning lessons about artistry, song choice, and the value of surrounding yourself with the finest musicians. That education is evident here.  Expressions is a carefully curated album that balances jazz standards, timeless ballads, and fresh interpretations—all delivered with clarity, warmth, and style.

Her voice is pure, elegant, and emotionally resonant. Each lyric is shaped with perfect phrasing, and every note feels both effortless and heartfelt. This isn’t imitation—it’s Antonia’s own artistic voice, honoring tradition while carving out new ground.  She is joined by a stellar ensemble: Christian Jacob (piano, arrangements), Larry Koonse (guitar), Kevin Axt (bass), and Kendall Kay (drums). Special guests include Randy Brecker on trumpet and flugelhorn, and David Thomas of Take 6 adding rich background vocals on Wherever You Go. Their sensitive, world-class musicianship provides the perfect canvas for Antonia’s voice.

Expressions is elegant, timeless, and deeply personal. With this release, Antonia Bennett affirms that she is not just carrying forward a family legacy—she is adding her own luminous chapter to the Great American Songbook.

PLAYLIST:

1. Do You Still Think of Me

2. Exactly Like You

3. Once I Loved

4. Baby

5. Comes Love

6. Vous Qui Passez Sans Me Voir

7. Right On Time

8. True Love

9. Wherever You Go

10. Ain’t Misbehavin’

11. Hushabye Mountain

12. After You

13. See You On The Other Side

PLAYERS:

• Antonia Bennett – Vocals

• Christian Jacob – Piano / Keyboards, Arranger

• Larry Koonse – Guitar

• Kevin Axt – Bass

• Kendall Kay – Drums

• Randy Brecker – Trumpet / Flugelhorn (guest)

• David Thomas (Take 6) – Background Vocals on “Wherever You Go”

I have attached two songs from Antonia's CD,  the first is "Do You Still Think Of Me" and the second "Once I Loved".  

                                                           " Do You Still Think Of Me'

                                                                "Once I Loved"

                        

Judy Wexler, "No Wonder"

Multi-talented Jazz Vocalist Judy Wexler has been studying and performing for over 20 years and has become one of the most compelling Jazz Vocalist on the West Coast.  She has learned her lessons well over the years and always surrounds herself with the finest West Coast musicians.  And when she combines these talented musicians with her ability to selecting songs that are wonderful but not played frequently, Jazz magic occurs. Judy has an intense love for lyrics and takes joy in creating her own interpretations.  When she adds her warm voice to a lyric the results create beautiful reborn musical gems.  On "No Wonder" Judy unveils a range of emotions and combines her astute blend of storytelling with subtle melodic variations and rhythmic shifts.  The arrangements on "No Wonder" were created by Judy's longtime Pianist and Arranger Jeff Colella and they are hip and fresh and fit Judy's vocal style perfectly.  This is Judy's first CD of standards and when these songs are combined with Judy's warm voice, her spot- on phrasing and Colella's creative arrangements, the songs seem re-born again.

Judy preforms in Jazz clubs in the LA area to the delight of her many fans.  She has also headlined at performing arts centers and Jazz festivals in Montreal, Dubai, Tel Aviv, San Jose and Temecula where she opened for the legendary Mose Allison,  If you know anything about Mose Allison, then it will help you understand Judy's long-time love of "Off the beaten path" songs and lyrics.

The list of supporting musicians is an A-listing of the best LA musicians.  So, what do you get when you gather a group of fine Jazz musicians in a recording room with a veteran Jazz Vocalist with a beautiful voice and a love for interpretation and phrasing of lyric?   You get a beautiful Jazz CD titled "No Wonder"!

I have attached a "YouTube" video with two songs from "No Wonder". The first song is a long-time favorite of mine composed by Leonard Cohen, "Dance Me To The End of Love".  The lyric for this Cohen gem has always fascinated me, and I always thought about it as a lovely love poem.  I learned from Judy that the lyric is about the Jewish musicians in the Nazi concentration camps who were forced to perform as their fellow prisoners were marched to their deaths.  Now, the lyric of the songs takes on a new, deeper emotional meaning for me.  Bob Sheppard adds a beautiful Clarinet solo and Larry Koonse has a captivating Guitar solo also.  The second song I attached was Judy's up-tempo version of the the 1940 standard, "You Stepped Out of a Dream".  

                                                                "Dance Me to the End of Love"

                                                                    "You Stepped Out of a Dream"

PLAYLIST:

1. No Wonder 

2. The Summer Knows

4. Never Will I Marry

5. Wish You Were Here

6. Firm Roots

7. Slow Hot Wind

8. I Wish You Love

9. Dance Me To The End of Love

10. That Sunday, That Summer

11. A Weaver of Dreams

12. The Night We Called It A Day

PLAYERS:

Judy Wexler- Vocals

Jeff Colella- Piano, Melodica, All Arrangement except, "No Wonder" Luciana Souza and "I Wish you Love" Brian Swartz

Danny Janklow- Alto/Tenor Sax, Flute/ Alto Flute 

Bob Sheppard, Soprano Sax, Clarinet

Jay Jennings- Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Larry Koonse- Electric/Acoustic Guitar

Gabe Davis- Bass

Steve Haas- Drums   

CD Review: Judy Wexler, "Back to the Garden"

 

Multi-talented Judy Wexler has just released her sixth album, "Back To The Garden" and it has already received high marks in the JazzWeek radio charts.  "Back To The Garden" is a departure from Wexler's previous albums which featured modern Jazz songs and songs from the best of the Great American Songbook.  This album selections are some of the great songs from the 60s and Judy has applied her creative ability to reimagine these wonderful tunes.  According to Wexler, "I was a bit young in the 60s to be completely aware of the great music going out, but my older brother bought all the new records, and I have such great memories of hanging out in his room and listening to him play guitar and sing along with Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel.  I could feel the powerful messages of the music even if I didn't fully understand the context.  Music of the 60s is truly a reflection of the times, and the music reflected the turbulence engendered by war, political protests, and the rise of important social movements like feminism and racial justice."  Sadly we are still struggling with these issues today!  

In her new album Wexler has done a masterful job of re-imaging 10 of the best songs from the 60s to reflect her interpretation of these songs and bring forth their messages of hope, love and change again.  This is what truly outstanding Jazz musicians do.  They take great music and lyrics and give them a re-birth while  never  sacrificing the integrity of the original brilliance of the music and lyric.  Wexler has a lot of tools in her musical bag that allow her to succeed with her re-interpretation of these golden songs.  She has near perfect pitch, her voice is clear and strong, her phrasing is always perfect and she puts forth a real understanding of the issues that the lyrics cover.  

The arrangements are sparkling and new and the group of musicians Wexler has gathered together to record this album are spectacular by any measure.  She started with her long-time pianist and arranger Jeff Colella whose resume is extremely long and distinguished.  He toured with Lou Rawls for 16 years and was Musical Director for Jack Jones, just to mention two.  She called upon the brilliant young Pianist and Composer Josh Nelson who contributed two arrangements.  World-class Guitarist Larry Koonse was joined by Bass player Gabe Davis, and Drummer Steve Hass.  They were joined by Bob Thiele, Jr on Electric and Baritone Guitar, Danny Janklow on Alto sax, Jay Jennings on Trumpet and Hendrik Meurkens on Harmonica.  The string section included Violinists Joel Pargman and Carrie Kennedy, Rodney Wirtz on Viola, and Cellist Stefanie Fife.  Erin Bentlage arranged and contributed background vocals on four tracks.  As you can see from this list of master musicians, Wexler has spent whatever money was necessary to produce the finest musical product she could.  She has succeeded!  "Back To The Garden" is an outstanding new album that deserves all the praise that it is receiving already by the music press.  The music and lyric on these old songs are still as enjoyable as when I first heard them played over 60 years ago and that's a tribute to the musical talent of Judy Wexler. 

The songs on "Back To The Garden" include two written by Bob Dylan, one by Paul Simon and one by Stephen Stills.  They will bring back memories of Joni Mitchel, the Youngbloods, Harry Nilsson and Judy Collins.  If you are too young to remember these original songs of the 60s, I think you will fall in love with them now.  If you do remember these original songs from the time they were recorded, you will fall in love with Judy Wexler and her interpretations.  

Players:

Judy Wexler- Vocals

Jeff Colella- Piano, Melodica, Background Vocals

Larry Koonse- Nylon String and Electric Guitar

Gabe Davis- Bass

Steve Hass- Drums

Bob Thiele, Jr- Electric and Baritone Guitar

Erin Bentlage- Background Vocals

Danny Janklow- Alto Sax

Jay Jennings- Trumpet

Hendrik Meurkens- Harmonica

Sara Caswell- Violin

Rodney Wirtz- Viola

Stefanie Fife- Cello

Talley Sherwood- Background Vocals

Playlist:

Get Together (Chet Powers)

Up On The Roof (Gerry Goffin and Carole King)

American Tune (Paul Simon)

Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)

The Times They Are A-Changin (Bob Dylan)

Since You've Asked (Judy Collins)

For What It's Worth (Stephen Sills)

Everybody's Talking (Fred Neil)

Forever Young (Bob Dylan)

Who Knows Where The Time Goes (Sandy Denny)

I have attached two wonderful YouTubes for your listening pleasure.  The first one, "Everybody's Talking" that has some tasty Harmonic work provided by Hendrik Meurkens.  The second one is still very popular today "Up On The Roof" from Gerry Goffin and Carole King.  Judy Wexler's voice and phrasing and Jeff Colella's terrific Piano work show us how to turn a great R & B rock and roll tune into a delightful Jazz tune!  

  

                                                                  "Everybody's Talking"

                                                                    "Up On The Roof"

CD Review: David Sills, "Natural Lines"

Los Angeles-based reed player David Sills has recorded and performed for many CDs, 17 to be clear, and has recently released his newest CD "Natural Lines".  This CD features some of the best Jazz musicians on the West Coast including the double Guitars of Larry Koonse and Mike Scott.  Sills has been studying Saxophone since he was 10 years old, and still considers himself a student of the greats!  He performs regularly and teaches privately.  "Natural Lines" is his 17th CD as a leader and it features seven of his original compositions as well as tunes by Bill Evans, Miles Davis, Jimmy Davis, Alan Broadbent and two of Sills' accompanists, Guitarists Larry Koonse and Mike Scott.  He has been wanting to do a CD with two Guitars for quite a well.  Sills explains,  "In recent years, most of my performances have taken place in venues in which no piano was available, so to fill the role of the missing piano, I began adding a second guitar.  This instrumentation seemed to open up many musical possibilities and allowed for an interesting mix of sonic colors.  Thus, the idea for this recording featuring a "Double Guitar Quintet" was born".  After listening to this CD, I totally agree with David Sills thinking!

The CD opens with a great tune called "Minor Monk" that was written by Mike Scott.  I am sure that you can guess who was the inspiration for this tune and it's a beauty!  I have attached a "YouTube" of this tune so you can enjoy the great sounds.  I have also attached a second "YouTube" of the 4th cut on this CD, a song written by Alan Broadbent called "Quiet Is The Star".  I am sure you will enjoy both tunes.

The other players on this CD are old friends of mine that I first heard when they were playing in the Palm Springs California area, Drummer Tim Pleasant and Bass player Blake White.  Both are fabulous Jazz musicians who are in great demand all over the Southern California area.  So basically what David Sills has put together in this CD are some great original tunes, some lesser played great tunes and some of the finest musicians on the West Coast.  The result is a superb CD with beautiful music played by very experienced and skilled musicians.  This formula results in a wonderful Jazz music product!

Playlist:

1. Minor Monk

2. Sync Or Swim

3. Sonny's Side

4. Quite The Star

5. Lover Man

6. Foggy Daze

7. Mellow Stone

8. Nardis

9. Jones' Tones

10. All The Little Things

11. Outside Corner

12. Interplay

Players: 

David Sills: Tenor Sax and Alto Flute

Larry Koonse: Guitar

Mike Scott: Guitar

Blake White: Bass

Tim Pleasant: Drums

Minor Monk

                                                                        Quite Is The Star

"The Phil Norman Tentet" Wows an Overflow Crowd at Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis Store in Palm Desert, CA

I would venture that any real Jazz fan living in Southern California knows that on Saturday nights the only place to be is at Peter Carlson's Golf and Tennis Store in Palm Desert, CA.  During the day, Pete's place is one of the biggest and best golf and tennis stores in the country but on most Saturday nights, Pete's team cleans out the golf bags and golf clubs in one room and as if by magic, it turns into a Jazz Club!  Pete rolls out a baby Grand and then it's straight-ahead Jazz for the night.  Pete has been hosting these world-class Jazz sessions since 2010.  The proceeds from these 30 or so concerts each season go to support music education and scholarships for young musicians in the Coachella Valley and the American Jazz Institute.  It's a great win for everyone.  Jazz lovers get to hear the best current live Jazz in the Country, and the kids get financial support to keep music playing in their schools!  It's a lot of work for Pete and his wife Edna, but it is a labor of love!

Pete is also a founder, director and broadcaster at a new local 24-hour Jazz radio station right here in Palm Desert, KAJI 95.3 FM.  For anyone not living in this area, you can tune in to the station by logging onto your computer at www.amjazzin.org.   The radio broadcasting legend, Alan Schulz is the program director for KAJI and also hosts his own show.  Alan has spent the major part of his life involved in the Jazz world and has wonderful stories he shares about every Jazz great, past or current. 

Tonight Pete hosted "The Phil Norman Tentet" one of the most talented and respected Jazz bands playing today.  The musicians in this band are stellar, every single one is multi-talented and a Jazz star in his own right.  Take a look at the advertisement posted above and you are sure to know most of the veterans who play in this band.  This wonderful band filled the house wall to wall with Jazz fans from all over the Valley and they were not disappointed.  From the first downbeat, these masters of Jazz performed one great Jazz tune after another.  The arrangement charts were also as good as it gets bringing memories of the great bands from years ago.  Mark your schedule for next week, Saturday, January 26 when the outstanding flutist, Holly Hofmann, will be joined by the Mike Wofford Quartet. 

The band played many great songs last night, but I particularly enjoyed their arrangement of "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" and I have attached a "YouTube" of the band performing it.

CD Review: Joanne Tatham "The Rings of Saturn"

Vocalist Joanne Tatham has released her 4th CD, "The Rings of Saturn" on March 30, 2018 and it's a beautiful musical journey to some great old and new songs combined with some fresh arrangements.  Tatham successfully follows the proven traditions of the great vocalists of past generations: pick only first-class material, write fresh, hip arrangements and ask only the best musicians to join you.  The collection of songs in this CD are so different with unusual arrangements that singing the full playlist could be used as a master class for any Jazz vocalist!  Clearly Joanne Tatham is not afraid to take risks and the result is a beautiful eclectic CD that will please even the toughest Jazz listener.

It was difficult to pick one song from this CD for you to listen to because I liked so many of them, and they are so different.  "Catch Me If You Can" composed by Eli Brueggemann with Lyrics by Mark Winkler is catchy and clever.  Who wouldn't love a Lyric by Mark Winker?  "Jazz 'n Samba" by Antonio Jobim and arranged by Guitarist Marcel Camargo and Tatham is wonderful.  But in the end, I had to give in to my love of standards and I attached a "YouTube"  of Joanne Tatham singing the old chestnut "Love Me Or LeaveMe" as good as you will ever hear this song sung.

Playlist:
1. "Love Me Or Leave Me"
2. "Summer In New York"
3. "Catch Me If You Can"
4. "Poetry Man"
5. The Rings of Saturn"
6. "Can We Still Be Friends?"
7. "If You Never Come To Me"
8. "Anyone Can Whistle"
9. "Nice To Be Around"
10. "Jazz 'n Samba"
11. "It Could Happen to You"

Players:
Joanne Tatham-Vocals
Max Haymer-Piano
Lyman Medeiros-Base
Dan Schnelle-Drums
Marcel Camargo-Guitar
Larry Koonse-Guitar
Kevin Winard-Percussion
Brian Swartz-Trumpet
Bob Sheppard-Sax

Produced by Mark Winkler

CD Review: "Say It" from John Proulx

John Proulx's new CD "Say It" is the first album that he has produced independently and it's terrific!  Pianist, Vocalist, Composer and Producer John Proulx is one of the brightest new stars on today's Jazz scene.  He is a welcome addition to the Jazz world, not only because of his composing, singing and Piano playing but because John has a fine appreciation of the Jazz greats of the past and the wonderful music they introduced to the world.  His musical efforts continue to produce outstanding new music while at the same time, John still addresses some of the great songs of the "Great American Songbook".  On this CD, John has recorded some new songs in addition to recording some gems from the past like "The Summer Knows", Mose Allison's sardonic "I Don't Worry About a Thing" and Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now". 

In addition to John's talents, he is a Jazz star that still is always willing to help other new and lesser-known Jazz players with Piano support, arranging, producing and caring supportive direction.  He is a major Jazz star with no overriding ego!

John asked his old friend and outstanding vocalist, Judy Wexler to help him produce this album along with two other friends that are legendary Jazz musicians, Bassist Chuck Berghofer and the great Joe LaBarbera on Drums.  According to John, "Chuck and Joe have been my musical bedrock. I love the way they inspire me to play and sing."  Also joining John on this CD are two more Jazz giants, Guitarist Larry Koonse and Saxophonist Bob Sheppard.   And the topper to this group is Melissa Manchester who recorded the duet "Stained Glass", a tune that they co-wrote. 

I first met John at one of Pete Carlson's Jazz Concerts in Palm Desert, and I have been a fan ever since.

Playlist:

1. "Gentle Rain:

2. "Scatsville"

3. "The Summer Knows"

4. "Watch What Happens"

5. "Say It"

6. "I Don't Worry About A Thing"

7. "The Last Goodbye"

8. "Stained Glass"

9. "Something To Live For"

10. "Both Sides Now"

Performers:

John  Proulx-Piano/Vocals/Arrangements

Chuck Berghofer-Bass

Joe LaBarbera-Drums

Larry Koonse-Guitar

Bob Sheppard-Tenor Sax/Soprano Sax

Billy Hulting-Auxiliary Percession

Melissa Manchester-Guest Vocals

Alan  Broadbent-String Quartet Arrangements

The Gina Kronstadt Strings

   Gina Kronstadt-1st Violin, leader

   Susan Chatman-2nd Violin

   Rodney Wurtz- Viola

   Stefanie Fife-Cello

Produced by Judy Wexler

I found and attached a "Youtube" of John singing "I've Never Been In Love Before" that from John's album "Moon and Sand" for your listening pleasure.

                                                    "I've Never Been In Love Before"

CD Review: "What I See" by Judy Wexler

Judy Wexler

Judy Wexler has just finished recording her 4th album, "What I See". Judy has a marvelous, pure, clean voice, but that's only one part of what makes her such a special singer. First and foremost, Judy is a wonderful storyteller. When you hear Judy sing any of the songs that she carefully hand picks, she brings life to the lyrics. She has the rare ability to magically combine the story with her beautiful voice and captures the full attention of the listener. The songs Judy recorded on this album cover a wide range of times and styles; and, yet, Judy has been able to put them together as if these songs were written just for this album. There are few singers who have the ability to select the songs Judy has and bring them to life as she does. After selecting her songs, Judy applies the final magic to her CD by bringing together some of the most talented sidemen on the West Coast: Larry Koonse on Guitar, Bob Sheppard on Bass Clarinet and Alto Sax, Ron Stout on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Scott Whitfield on Trombone, Billy Hulting on Percussion, Chris Colangelo on Bass, and Steve Hass on Drums. These are a lot of parts to pull together and make it all fit together perfectly. So Judy, brings in her long-time Pianist/Arranger, Jeff Colella to co-produce the album. Jeff who spent almost two decades as the Music Director for Lou Rawls put together all the beautiful arrangements that make this CD one of the best Jazz albums of the year.
 

CD Review: "Diane Hubka Goes To The Movies"

Last month I published information about a new CD, "From California With Love" that was recorded by a talented group of West Coast Musicians with the sole purpose to raise money for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief.  I learned about the effort from one of the talented musicians who recorded on the CD, Diane Hubka.  Diane  found my blog and enjoyed the live music reviews I did last winter from the Palm Springs, California area. I really loved the way Diane sang on the "From California With Love" CD and I wanted to find out more about her.  Turns out she was performing to rave reviews in the New York City area for many years before moving to Hollywood California in 2004 where she collaborated with pianist Christian Jacob (who married the daughter of one of my all-time trumpet  faves', Maynard Ferguson).  Christian Jacob has also recorded with the uniquely talented Tierney Sutton.  Together Diane and Christian recorded "Diane Hubka Goes to the Movies" in 2007, and I decided to review the CD.

Diane Hubka is not just another singer!  In addition to singing, Diane plays a 7-string guitar with great skill and improvisation. She selects her material like a fine chef selecting just the right products at a food market. After her move from NYC to Hollywood Diane picked 13 songs that were written for movies, some standards and others relatively unknown but still great songs. According to Diane "It seemed the logical choice. Since coming here, I've enjoyed working with some fantastic West-Coast musicians, many who've made their living at least in part from playing in the studios."  The arrangements are wonderful and were all written by Christian Jacob. Diane chose all the musicians for the band from those she had heard and worked with after moving to California. The group includes Christian Jacob on Piano and did the arrangements, Carl Saunders on Trumpet and Flugelhorn, Larry Koonse on Guitar, Chris Colangelo on Bass and Joe LaBarbera on Drums.

There are 13 songs on this CD all taken from movies from 1937-79 and none of them are easy to play or sing.  Diane really gets to show her professional singing skills to the fullest on this CD and also solos, singing and playing her 7 string classical guitar on Track #12, "Manha de Carnaval" more popularly known as "A Day In The Life Of A Fool".  My other favorites were Track #1 "All God's Children Got Rhythm" from 1937 movie "A Day at the Races".  It's a perfect opening number for the group with everyone in the group making their presence known. Track #4, "Lovers in New York" from the 1961 movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was written by Henry Mancini, Jay Livingston and Ray Evans swings with great Trumpet work from Carl Saunders. Track #5, "He's a Tramp" from the 1955 movie "Lady and the Tramp" written by the great Peggy Lee and Sonny Burke played in an up-tempo Samba rhythm that fits the song perfectly.  Track #7 "I'm Old Fashioned" written by Jerome Kern and Johnny Mercer for the 1942 movie "You Were Never Lovelier" features some great piano and Guitar work by Christian Jacobs and Larry Koonse. Track #9 "Close Enough for Love" from the 1979 movie "Agatha" showcases some outstanding Piano and Bass work from Jacob and Colangelo. Track # 11 "Wild is the Wind" the old Johnny Mathis hit from the 1957 movie of the same name features a great up-tempo rhythm used very effectively to showcase an outstanding piano solo from Christian Jacob. There is one member of the group that needs some praise for his skillful performance on this CD, Drummer Joe LaBarbera.  Joe has done some outstanding playing with the great Bill Evans and shows us on this CD why Bill Evans loved him.  Joe fits his percussion work into every song and rhythm perfectly, never overplaying or underplaying Diane or any member of the group.  Great Job, Joe.

If you like great jazz singing combined with some smooth jazz instrumental sounds, this CD is for you.  Diane Hubka is the real thing.  Her singing skills are finely tuned and she is not afraid to push aside the safety net of the classic songs of the "Great American Songbook" and experiment with new approaches to new and old songs in her own personal way.

You can preview this CD on iTunes and I urge you to do so.  Diane's first CD "Haven't We Met" was released in 1999 featured alto sax legend Lee Konitz and received Jazz Nomination for "Best Recording Debut".  Her Latest CD "You Inspire Me" was released in Japan in 2007.

Note to all my California readers: Diane will be performing live on Oct. 20 at Vitello's Jazz & Super Club, 4349 Tujunga Blvd., Studio City Ca. 91604.  Reservations: 818-769-0905  If you are in the area, make the effort to catch her show, you will not regret it!