At 26 years of age, Rick Washbrook found his own voice and songs. It was 1985, and in his mid-twenties, Rick’s natural story telling ability and contemporary song writing foretold he was someone who would definitely hit the charts. Building his ever growing fan base in Ontario, Canada his fans have not forgotten his debut album, Summer Roads, and today, Washbrook is more recognized for his virtuoso guitar playing.From 1985 to 1986, four of the top songs from …

When an artist produces an incredibly superior album, it is not only the result of exceptional talent coming together in the performance thereof, but from a passion deep within that inspires remarkable results. Such is the case with David Klein’s latest CD, "My Marilyn," a stunning jazz tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Begin with the passion, combine the remarkable talents of David Klein-tenor sax, Mulgrew Miller-piano, Ira Coleman-bass, Marcello Pellitteri-drums and Miriam Klein-vocals, then exqu …

Plaintive, wistful, romantic, sentimental, sad, gentle, calm/peaceful, joyous, refined/mannered, poignant, sensual, laid-back/mellow, intimate, stylish, elegant, earnest, soothing these are words that have been used to fittingly describe Diana Krall’s music. Diana Krall popped on the scene in 1993 with her first CD "Steppin’ Out," (Justin Time), followed by a string of Grammy award nominations and platinum sales with her following albums. It was magic from the beginning. Krall could do no wr …

Holland's Lils Mackintosh won this year's prestigious National Edison Jazz Award at the North Sea Jazz Festival 2000 for her latest CD "Black Girl," a tribute album to Huddie Ledbetter, better known as "Leadbelly." The Edison Jazz Awards can be compared to the American Grammy awards and Lils did an outstanding job with her modern interpretation of the songs of this legendary Louisiana blues singer. Album producer and tenor sax player, Hans Dulfer said in the liner notes, "Making this al …

Carol Sloane is not only a nifty lady, but also a fabulous singer who can be counted among the great jazz vocalists of her time. Her albums are all first-rate and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. I like that! How many artists produce album after album, with only a few of them counting as highly rated? Carol has 15 marvelous albums to her credit and has appeared on numerous other albums that are equally as wonderful. I recommend at least one of her albums as a "must-have" for your jazz collect …