jazz2love

Album:  Motherhood Artist:  Brenda Earl Stokes Label:  Self-Released Website:  https://brendaearle.com brendaearlestokes.bandcamp.com/album/motherhood facebook.com/BrendaEarleStokes youtube.com/brendaearlestokes IG: @brendaearlestokes Pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator Brenda Earle Stokes returns with her sixth release as a leader entitled Motherhood .  The recording is an assortment of ten original compositions that explore the private side of being mother, examining identity, fear, expectations, body image, friendship, and growth. Performing in New York City opened her up to a talented pool of musicians, some of whom play on the disc, including bassist Evan Gregor, drummer Ross Pederson, and special guest, renowned trumpeter Ingrid Jensen.  Also appearing on the arrangements are vocalists Melissa Stylianou and Grammy-winning Nicole Zuraitis on backing vocals. Although Stokes's repertoire is rooted in jazz, she drew additional inspiration from singe...

Album:  Falling Feels Like Flying Artist:  John Korbel Label: Self-Released Website:  https://johnkorbel.com Endowed with a voice that raptures with a soulful resonance and sizzles with a bluesy consonance, vocalist John Korbel shows a sense of rhythm reminiscent of Teddy Pendergrass.  Korbel's latest release Falling Feels Like Flying is a collection of original material written by him and arranged by Mark Falchook. A recurring theme throughout the recording displays a leaning towards igniting a romantic mood in the melodies.  Korbel's cool swagger along "Sweet Burning" is spellbinding, fired up by the softly lit tremors of the saxophone.  The music creates a moonlit setting that is amplified in "First Christmas Loving You," as Korbel's vocal inflections produce a cushiony coating. Korbel's brand of blue-eyed soul, reflective of Michael McDonald, is intensified through "Wheels Up" joined by a jazzy piano vamp performed by Mark Falchook.  ...