22 Mar
Natural Habitat/NYC by Jane Blackstone
- Written by Sheldon T. Nunn
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Moving up the ladder of recognition has been the focus of Jane Blackstone ever since she arrived on the streets of New York City at age 18. Her ultimate goal has always been to follow her passionate desire to be a jazz vocalist. Since that time, she has excelled in that endeavor as a pianist, composer and educator, and now as a recording artist. Her latest CD 'Natural Habitat/NYC' is a spin-off from a career that has included time spent with such charismatic artists as Lee Konitz, Mark Egan, Victor Lewis, Shelia Jordan, George Mraz, and Carla Bley.'Natural Habitat/NYC' is a recording that reflects upon the vocal jazz tradition at its best. The CD is surprisingly appealing in approach, and it includes the ingredients of swing and bebop to add spice to the effort as well. This release is Jane's first CD as a leader. It encompasses a career that spans tours through Tokyo, Buenos Aires, Berlin and Amsterdam. Numerous appearances in and around the New York City area has paved the way for this recording also. As a vocalist, Jane Blackstone takes the messages sent by Rosemary Clooney, Peggy Lee, Sarah Vaughan and Helen Merrill to a level whereby their influences are are prominently heard in much of Jane's offering; however, it is her voice that makes this album gel.Jane Blackstone and her band of merry men pull together subtle arrangements that are augmented by exceptional improvisational techniques. Together they combine outstanding solos, energetic rhythms and beautiful ballads with the very essence of swing and bop-oriented influences. This is a recording that will allow you to look at vocal jazz from a very different perspective, one that is seldom experienced in these days of smooth jazz offerings.
Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Jane Blackstone
- CD Title: Natural Habitat/NYC
- Genre: Jazz Vocals
- Year Released: 2002
- Record Label: Motief Records
- Tracks: Where You At?, Without A Song, The Rainbow I See In Your Eyes, Mystics, Between The Devil and The Deep Blue Sea, The Human Touch, Room For Everybody, We Kiss in a Shadow, In The Art of Survival, Once 4U, Nothing Like You / Sometimes Im Happy'
- Musicians: Tino Derado (piano, accordion), Bob Albanese (piano), Ratzo Harris (bass), Jamey Haddad, Steve Johns (drums), Bob Mover (saxophone), Sam Burtis (trombone)
- Label Website: -
- Rating: Four Stars
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Jazz Vocals - CD Reviews
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