Introducing…Jack McManus. See Jack McManus at his piano, and it’s hard to imagine man and keyboard apart. The musical hooks fly in from all corners on his debut album, ‘Either Side of Midnight’, but if there’s one constant it’s the part played by Jack’s take-everywhere upright.

It’s a surprise, then, to learn most of his songs started life as melody lines worked out on a trumpet. The mad-haired 23-year-old looks an unlikely candidate for a career as a professional trumpet player, but that’s the way things were heading until his demo of (brass-free) songs landed him both a publishing and record deal earlier this year.

The son of a rock & roll pyrotechnics expert from Bromley, Jack grew up listening to the likes of Elton John and Billy Joel; an un-snobby devotion to stick-in-your-head melodies is a hallmark of his song writing. Jack’s talents had their first recorded outing earlier this year on Groove Armada’s ‘Soundboy Rock’ album. He co-wrote “From The Rooftops”, and a spacey version of his voice propels the finished track on its Erik Satie-ish path.

His vocals get a warmer, live-sounding treatment courtesy of producer Steve Robson on ‘Either Side of Midnight’ (Universal Music Record Label). It’s an instantly-accessible, refreshingly “up” album, as evidenced by the joyous first single “Bang On The Piano”.

Other highlights are the unashamedly beautiful “Fine Time To Lose Your Mind” with its echoes of the Eagles and Wichita Lineman, the glorious singalong “You Think I Don’t Care” and the title track, which recalls the swoonsome pop of the Alessi Brothers.

Jack is playing live at:

19 February 2008 – Metro, London
26 February 2008 – Borderline, London

Download album track “Not The Hardest Part” for free on Jack’s u-download page.

Jack’s debut single, “Bang On The Piano” is released on Polydor Records on April 21st, 2008 with his album ‘Either Side Of Midnight’ to follow on April 28th.

“immaculate and impossibly catchy” – The Sunday Times, Culture

“more melodies than a melody factory working 24/7 to pump out melodies” – Guardian Unlimited, New Band of the Day

Jack McManus on Myspace
Jack McManus Official Website

Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil is a new direction for modern jazz. It’s rooted firmly in tradition, yet leaps forward by blending pop and rock in unexpected ways.

Respected by traditionalists and modern music fans alike, Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil has reawakened the revolution started by Miles Davis in the 60s and 70s. Whether paying respect to the standards or recreating modern songs from stylists like Death Cab for Cutie or Sting, Rachel Z and the D.O.G.E. is sweeping the nation by storm.

“The Department is about unity and breaking down barriers. Our music is about merging musical styles. We want to respect and expand the swing of Elvin, Miles, Gabriel, Joy Division, to name just a few,” said pianist Rachel Z.

From Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke to Mike Mainieri, Rachel Z has worked with some of the biggest names in the business. Along with preparing the arrangements and played on Wayne Shorter’s Grammy winning ‘Highlife’ album, Rachel completed five world tours and two DVDs as a member of Peter Gabriel’s band. Rachel’s experience with each of these masters lend distinct musical depth to the D.O.G.E.’s musical agenda.

As a soloist, Rachel has recorded eight solo albums for Sony and GRP. The 2007 Department project is the first CD with Savoy Records.

The musicians assembled for the D.O.G.E. include: Bobby Rae (master drummer and arranger), Maeve Royce (gifted bass player in her early twenties) and from time to time – the legendary Tony Levin.

Watch video: Rachel Z and The Department of Good & Evil – “Saint of New Orleans”:

“Pianist Rachel Z has emerged from the shadows of Peter Gabriel to form one of the most innovative trios to come along in some time. The trio made its greatest impact on “Angry Chair,” a song by Alice in Chains. How many jazz trios have that kind of repertory?” – Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“[Department of Good and Evil] a compelling addition to her recent solo CDs…the rhythm section’s vibrant drive, her improvisations are often so harmonically rich and multifaceted that “Dept. of Good and Intriguing” ultimately seems like a more apt billing.” – Washington Post

For more information and tour dates, go to:

Rachel Z Official Website
Rachel Z and the Department of Good and Evil on Myspace

I woke up this morning with Eddie Floyd’s “634-5789″ soul song going around my head. Better than a hangover, that’s for sure. Last night he and a few others performed on Later with Jools Holland for the annual Hootenanny New Year’s Eve show on the BBC.

Rather than go out, which is what we were planning to do, Dave and I stayed in for New Year’s. A very kind and generous friend had given us tickets to go out to see a few bands play at the Carling Academy Oxford and we ungraciously didn’t show up. Very naughty indeed. Hopefully he’s still talking to us.

So, we settled for a couple bottles of bubbly and the TV instead. Later with Jools was pretty good. Of course, the show isn’t filmed live, which is a bit of a let down, but it’s still fun to watch.

After Jools Holland arrived to the Land of the Hootenanny via Dr. Who’s Tardis (sounds crazy, I know) “Boogie Woogie Queen” Ruby Turner opened the show with “Jumpin’ at the Jubilee” along with Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Soul legend Eddie Floyd followed with “634-5789″. I used to sing that song in a band called Soul Wagon…crikey…about 15 years ago. The band was only together a couple of months, but that’s another story.

Other guest performers on the show included Kaiser Chiefs, Lulu, Madness, Duffy, Kate Nash, Kylie Minogue, Seasick Steve, Mika and Paul McCartney. Jools also spoke to a few guests in the audience like Lenny Henry, Dawn French, David Tennant, Formula One’s Bernie Ecclestone, Gabby Logan and more.

Duffy performed a superb cover of the Cat Stevens song, “The First Cut Is The Deepest”. I’ve mentioned on several occasions, here on Band Weblogs, how much I like Duffy and that she’s the cat’s meow. Jools and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra accompanied Duffy, for her classy rendition of “The First Cut Is The Deepest”, which could easily be released as a single. Duffy’s been on Later with Jools two times now – sometimes she reminds me of Lulu, who Jools will often perform with, so it’s apropos that he would seem to be enamored with her.

Speaking of Lulu, she sounded great, as always, singing “Where Have All The Good Guys Gone”. It would have been good to see her sing more songs, though.

Kylie Minogue was the star of the night. For her first number, Jools reminded viewers of Kylie’s recent stint on Dr. Who before she vamped it up with “Come On Strong”. She spent the song being sultry, sitting on the piano and singing, whilst Jools played along with the band.

The other “big star of the night” was Paul McCartney. Who would have thought that one day Sir Paul McCartney and Kylie Minogue would be introduced together for a duet? That they were, and they sang Paul McCartney’s “Dance Tonight”. Later, Kylie performed “2 Hearts” from her album ‘X’, with Dr. Who’s David Tennant dancing along in the audience. She also sang a jazzed up lounge version of her hit song “I Could Be So Lucky” with Jools Holland on piano.

The Duffy and Eddie Floyd “Bring It On Home To Me” duet was a treat and Mika performed “Grace Kelly”, playing the piano – as I had first heard him play the song for his debut on Later with Jools Holland about a year ago. This time he played along with the Jools Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. It’s too bad the song gets so overplayed on the radio, because I really liked it the first time I heard it. Especially the stripped down piano version.

There were many more performances throughout the night and if you missed the Hootenanny on the BBC, luckily the Later with Jools Holland website has added video footage of the complete show.

For some reason, Ruby Turner doesn’t have a section on the Hootenanny page. Hopefully they’ll add one soon. In the meantime, you can go to Ruby Turner Official Website for more information about her.

Watch Hootenanny videos from Later with Jools Holland

Later with Jools Holland BBC Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Alicia Keys has once again come up with the goods with her new video for hit single, “No One”. The single is off of her third studio album, ‘As I Am,’ set for release on November 13th, 2007 on J Records. ‘As I Am’ features collaborations with John Mayer, Linda Perry, Floetry’s Marsha Ambrosius and Timbaland.

Ever since a friend handed me her debut CD, ‘Songs in A Minor’ and I heard “Fallin’” for the first time, back in 2001, I knew we were on to something good – and it seems Alicia Keys has just been getting better as the years go on. On stage she’s grown from being the girl with braids, sitting behind the piano to a now more glamorous woman who can dance and “work” the stage more comfortably.

It’s too bad that Britney Spears walked away with the most publicity after the 2007 Video Music Awards. After watching Alicia Keys at the VMAs, it’s amazing that this talented singer and performer wasn’t all the rage after the show. Luckily, though, there’s still plenty of time to savor a fine performance, like a fine wine. Maybe in the long run, it’s best that Alicia’s hype is more subtle.

Watch Alicia Keys perform “No One” at the VMAs

When I was growing up, Irene Cara and Donna Summer were two of my favorite singers to sing along with. Alicia Keys has captured that feeling with “No One” along with a current and modern vibe. Since her voice naturally sounds the way it does, there’s no need for the flamboyant “trills” that have become the norm for so many singers. The video for “No One” is a new window into the world of Ms. Keys and it’s great to see true talent once again, hitting the airwaves.

Watch Alicia Keys – “No One” video (debuted on BET):

Track Listing for ‘As I Am’:

1. As I Am (Intro)
2. Go Ahead
3. Superwoman
4. No One
5. Like You’ll Never See Me Again
6. Lesson Learned (featuring and co-written by John Mayer)
7. Wreckless Love
8. The Thing About Love
9. Teenage Love Affair
10. I Need You
11. Where Do We Go From Here
12. Prelude To A Kiss
13. Tell You Something (Nana’s Reprise)
14. Sure Looks Good To Me

“No One” video link

Alicia Keys Official Website
Alicia Keys on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Joni Mitchell’s latest album ‘Shine’ has thankfully fallen into my hands and I’ve been taking my time, savoring her songs for this review. ‘Shine’ is an emotional album. The lyrics and the messages within may be harsh for the optimistic listener, but as a Joni Mitchell fan, it’s fortunate to be able to join her on her lyrical and instrumental journey in the year 2007.

‘Shine’ opens with “One Week Last Summer”, a gorgeous instrumental track that includes a wonderfully mixed piano, sax solo and full harmonies sure to make mouths water. I wondered why she may have chosen to open the album with an instrumental song, but after digging around found the explanation on her website.

On “This Place”, the sweet cries of a pedal steel guitar, one of my favorite instruments, is a welcome addition to Joni Mitchell’s eclectic use of instrumentation. It intertwines with the sadness of the lyrics, about the beauty and the destruction of “this land”.

I can see how difficult it would be for Joni Mitchell not to write about what’s going on around her in today’s world. “If I Had A Heart” is a song that songwriters are made for. Mitchell sings about the state of the planet with a message of despair.

One thing I really love about Joni Mitchell’s singing is not only her recognizable voice, but it’s her phrasing within a song. She has one of the most percussive voices out there and “Hana” is a perfect example of trademark Joni along with calypso beats and harmonies.

Her voice in “Bad Dreams Are Good” is reminiscent of Billie Holiday and throughout the album I had thoughts of Joan Armatrading. It’s great to hear the new version of “Big Yellow Taxi” which, once again, features her brilliant vocal phrasing along with beautiful harmonies, a cool rhythmic guitar and sparse, staccato instruments.

‘Shine’ is a daring and honest piece of art produced and shared by Joni Mitchell. Whether the lyrics are read alone or along with the album, her talent shines through as a true poet, singer, musician and storyteller.

Buy Joni Mitchell – ‘Shine’ on amazon.com

‘Shine’ lyrics on Joni Mitchell’s website
Joni Mitchell Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Related: Watch Joni Mitchell performing “California” on the BBC

“Perhaps it’s wishful thinking, but the Department of Good and Evil’s album just might be the generation-gap bridge that brings open-minded young hipsters and their folks together.” – Pittsburgh Citipaper

Rachel Z’s Upcoming Shows:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Rachel Z’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

September 17 2007 8:00P JALC Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club NY, New York
September 20 2007 8:00P The VIC in Santa Monica Santa Monica, California
September 21 2007 8:00P Steamers Fullerton, California
September 22 2007 8:00P Anna’s Jazz Island Berkeley, California
September 23 2007 8:00P Savannah at the Red Lion Inn Sacramento, California
September 24 2007 8:00P Columbia College Auditorium Sonora, California
September 30 2007 8:00P Iridium Jazz Club NY, New York
October 26 2007 8:00P Chorus Lausanne, Lausanne
October 28 2007 8:00P Cafe Stern, Muri
October 31 2007 8:00P Panic Jazz Veneto, Italia Veneto
November 4 2007 8:00P Birdseye in Basel, Switzerland NOV 4 and 5th Basel
November 8 2007 8:00P ROMA to be announced Roma
November 9 2007 8:00P Blue Note Milano, Milano
November 10 2007 8:00P Williamsburg Studio Brooklyn, New York
November 29 2007 8:00P JAzzbase with Tim Price Reading, Pennsylvania
December 18 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
December 19 2007 8:00P Kuumbwa Jazz Santa Cruz, Arkansas
December 20 2007 8:00P Jazz Alley Seattle, Oregon
January 13 2008 8:00P Dept of Good and Evil Showcase at APAP NY, New York

Rachel Z Official Website
Rachel Z and Department of Good and Evil on Myspace

By: Jenny May

It all started with a piano teacher named Ms. Bump and a desire as a youngster to make music. By the time Nate Harasim was sixteen, he was enrolled in the Flint Insititute for Music in Flint, Michigan and had formed the group, MoJazz. These straight ahead jazz players would open for the likes of Norman Brown, Pamela Williams, Roy Ayers, Tom Braxton and many others.

Unfortunately, as with most of us, the friends of MoJazz went their separate ways after high school. Nate made the bold decision to support his country and joined the Navy as a rescue swimmer jumping out of helicopters. After learning about the Naval School of Music, he auditioned and was accepted. Excited and ready to further his knowledge of the piano, Nate packed his bags and began his higher education.

Nate began to compose, arrange and produce his own music in a tiny apartment outside of Detroit. Never being one to wait for a dream to come to him, Nate moved to the West Coast and obtained an endorsee deal with Yamaha. After moving to San Diego, California, Nate hit the contemporary jazz scene and met up with Nu Groove trumpeter Mitch Manker and bassist James East. These two people proved significant to inspiring Nate’s creative future. Nate would go on to arrange, write, produce and engineer his debut CD, ‘Next in Line’. Impressed by Harasim, musical entrepeneur David Chackler signed Harasim to the NuGroove record label.

‘Next In Line’ is scheduled to hit the radio waves mid-September.

Nate Harasim Official Website

Serrato will be performing music from his CDcatalog, including his current release, Pianomania, enjoying popular success on jazz radio throughout the U.S.

Produced by Hiromi Kinoshita, the concert is being sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities. The organization provides programs to help families with children in need through appropriate hospital settings, family rooms and mobile care programs.

Paul feels a kinship with this cause since, in addition to producing music, he works for the New York City schools, teaching English to immigrants in underserved communities.

This is his first Japanese tour….

For additional information, contact:
Ms. Hiromi Kinoshita at underthetree@msj.biglobe.ne.jp

Website:
Paul Serrato

Fluent in Spanish, the Samba rhythms of Cannonball Adderley’s collaborations with Sergio Mendez awakened her Latin Roots. The “sound of the music” called to her and encouraged her to explore. As a teen, she studied the recordings of Cannonball Adderley and a lifelong love affair with Jazz began.

Jessy was accepted on scholarship to University of Southern California and graduated as the “Most Outstanding Jazz Student” of her class. Since then, she went on to tour the nation in various capacities and has served as member of the Henry Mancini Jazz Orchestra and the Hispanic Musician Association (HMA) Jazz Orchestra.

Extending her skills from the dance floor, Jessy J danced and played in London and Japan with the Tony and Emmy award-winning company Blast! Intertwining various forms of creative expression was a natural fit for this vibrant artisan.

At 26, Jessy has already worked professionally with the World’s most popular artists including Jessica Simpson, Michael Buble, Burt Bacharach, The Temptations, and she is currently on tour with Michael Bolton playing sax and singing backup vocals.

Jessy’s extreme desire and ambitions have placed her on the “fast track” to success. She has recently finished a smooth jazz project produced by the “Baby Face of Smooth Jazz”, Paul Brown and was hand selected by musical genius Paquito D’Rivera to perform alongside him at Carnegie Hall for an event featuring “tomorrows star musicians”. Not only have these two multiple Grammy award-winning artists sung her praise, she is currently being hailed as “Sexy, irresistible, sensible, the upcoming sax star, soulful, delightful, top notch, fresh, and terrific!”, on her latest performance with Paul Brown on his Peak recording debut “White Sand”. Sample the CD here.

Make sure you watch the one others are already talking about…Jessy J.

Currently, Jessy J has studio projects in the works for Norman Brown and Blake Aaron’s new albums. Experience the music that has mesmerized critics by catching her on the national tour with Michael Bolton!

To learn more about Jessy J visit jessyj.com or Jessy J on Myspace: myspace.com/jessyjsax

Movin’ Thru L.A. is a dedication of tracks to the life style in and around Los Angeles. This is a piano based musical journey with brass overtones and orchestral arrangements coloring the gliding fingers of this accomplished pianist and composer. This is Gary’s fourth jazz CD to date.

Gary Farr also has been writing music for film and TV. His recent credits include Harpo Productions, NBC Today show, The Weather Channel to name a few. Radio stations will start airing the CD in early May.

The CD includes guest artists Stephan Lexner, LA’s own guitarist and smooth jazz saxman Ron Fattorusso who has had 9 tracks aired on radio and TV since 2004. Gary was the producer and pianist on Ron’s CD “Up All Night”.

MOVIN’ THRU L.A. should be available on CDbaby.com, iTunes and other digital download companies this week. You can purchase the CD now at the CD website.

Tangled Up in Bob is Rubinstein’s score for the documentary film by Mary Feidt and detailing Natalie Goldberg’s quest for the “real” Bob Dylan in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. Rubinstein composed and performs the 15 tracks here, and cowrote “She Was Weird” with songwriter Terry Allen.

The Albuquerque Tribune wrote, “Donald Rubinstein provides an original score that is hauntingly Dylanesque.” Cadence wrote, “He’s a poet in a Dylanesque vein. His singing voice reminds me of a tired, more world-weary Bruce Springsteen….In the singer/songwriter vein, I’d much rather hear Rubinstein than any of the other, more popular artists.”

The second CD due out in April is Acceptance featuring jazz great Bill Frisell. With three compositions by Rubinstein and one live improvisation, Acceptance ranges from the choral “Acceptance” to the jazzy “Diminished Chord,” which Frisell performs once with electric and once with acoustic guitar. The CD ends with the live improv “Four Pianos,” with Marcel Bergmann, Philipe Bodin, Andrea Clearfield and Rubinstein on pianos, vocals by Clearfield and Rubinstein.

Bill Frisell says, “I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Don in all kinds of situations over the years. I’ve learned a lot from him…These days it’s reassuring to know there’s someone like him around. After more than 20 years, he’s still on that path, and still an inspiration.”

Called “a composer and songwriter of stellar proportions” by The Doors’ John Densmore, Rubinstein says the two new releases “represent both extremes of my composing, jazz-avant-garde instrumental at the one end and lyric-oriented folk songs at the other.”

Thom Teresi at Rhombus Records says, “Tangled Up in Bob and Acceptance represent the two faces of Don Rubinstein. You have to like everything Don does. He’s a prolific writer and a unique character. Rhombus Records wanted to release these together to show his diverse range of talent.”

Rubinstein made his musical debut by scoring George A. Romero’s cult classic film Martin (1977), which Mojo in 2002 named “One of the Top 100 Coolest Soundtracks of All Time.” Since then he has released 16 CDs, which range from jazz to folk to pop-rock to country; scored several feature films and main titles for two television series; and been commissioned by dance companies and musicians from the Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic orchestras for individual works.

Steve Huey wrote in All Music Guide, “Singer/songwriter, pianist, jazz experimentalist, soundtrack composer, beat-style poet—Donald Rubinstein has somehow juggled all those hats over the lengthy span of his creative career.”

Tangled Up in Bob and Acceptance are available for downloading at iTunes.com, eMusic.com, Rhapsody and the Burn Lounge. The CDs retail for $15.98 each and are available in stores on April 17, 2007.

Web sites:
http://www.donaldrubinstein.com
http://www.rhombus-records.com

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Donald Rubinstein, contact Mantra Public Relations at 212-645-1600.

Donna Sammarco goes solo with her piano covering timeless spirituals flying on the wings of time and space (and eagles) through the ivory keys.

This was a nice experience for me. Music such as this engages you and allows a meditative state to take hold. This is not a normal state of mind for any sentient being, particular in this world we live in now, with all the constant activity around us. It takes something powerful and aurally seductive to make us stop and listen so we turn inward and recharge our link to a higher power. I should do this on a daily basis but I do not, music like this reminds me what a strong connection I have to the spiritual world and how easy it is to tap into that source if I choose. Quite simply that is it in a nutshell; it is all about making the right choices on daily basis. Every track is crystal clear with its message and certainly because of its foundation within each composition, words are not needed. As I said, this is not something I put on the stereo every day but I am comforted to know there is something I can reach for when I want to center my energy and feel good about being alive.

Artist: Donna Sammarco
Title: On Eagles Wings
Genre: Christian-Instrumental
Label: P & J Records
Website

Tracks:
01. How Beautiful (3:41)
02. Oh, How He Loves You and Me (2:56)
03. Near to the Heart of God/Heart of Worship (2:48)
04. Lamb of God (2:57)
05. I Exalt Thee (3:22)
06. El Shaddai (3:42)
07. Alleluia/The Majesty and Glory of Your Name (4:00)
08. Change My Heart, Oh God (3:01)
09. Give Thanks (3:01)
10 .Spirit Song (3:16)
11. On Eagle’s Wings (3:28)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

At the tender age of 16, Leighton was a professional musician on the local club circuit and left school to set up his own studio. Just a mere two years later, he had written and produced enough material to release his debut album, Beyond Reflection. Rupert Leighton intertwined nuances from both acoustic and electronic music with jazz-infused piano. Airplay in Europe, Australia and the USA has increased his recognition around the world.

Take the Sidewalk (2006) is an organic maturation for the artist that reflects musical influences from St. Germain and Herbie Hancock to Prince and Sting.

Time will only tell where this young artist will be in the future. Meanwhile, be sure to check out clips from the eleven tracks of Take the Sidewalk.

“A great creator of sonorous atmospheres…original groove and stunning improvisation, rare refinement and rhythm”
- SCAZOLLA GIOVANNI PIETRO (Radio Gold Popular Network)

“A man beyond his years…A very bright future ahead of this young jazzman!”
- DR.STRANGEDUB (KFAI-FM)

Rupert Leighton’s Official Website

The instructor Christopher Schlegel has many credentials and he is an experienced musical performer and teacher. He has been playing music for 30 years, piano for 12 years, and has a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Bethel College in Tennessee. Christopher loves music of many different styles and knows how to apply the basic fundamental unifying principles of music to any genre. He also composes and performs his own original music in addition to teaching classes and seminars involving music technology (MIDI sequencing, digital recording, scoring). Christopher has 20 years of private instruction experience teaching guitar, piano, and music theory to students of all ages and all styles and a very thorough and enthusiastic teaching style, which is visible in his lessons.

People today have hectic schedules to maintain and as the ability to relax and unwind becomes increasingly difficult, the internet offers an outlet for individuals to pursue activities they would not normally because of the constraints on time, travel, and expense. PianoTricks.com offers an outlet for your busy life and leaves no excuse in your way to take the music lessons you always wanted to.

Visit the PianoTricks.com site to get an example of how lessons are delivered right to your desktop in the easiest possible format. Online piano lessons can fit any schedule 24/7.

Contact: Jon Broderick
Company: Web Trick Inc.
Address: 2625 Alcatraz Avenue, #311, Berkeley, CA 94705
Phone: (510) 991-7414
Email
Website

PR Created and Distributed By MuzikReviews.com

The title of the recording befits the 19 compositions covered on this comprehensive outing. Schubert gets extensive coverage through seven variations and the “Theme – Trochne Blumen.” While I found the entire recording beautifully done and valid, this particular broad honoring of Debussy is the most prolific and ever changing on the CD. The then the two main compositions are by Cesar Franck, which the artists feel is the most important classic. The flute and piano playing of Ms. Zucker and Mr. Shapiro are as usual, beyond reproach.

The consistency of the compositions is remarkable. I found the music sweeping and it left me mesmerized, unable to concentrate on anything else for very long. Of course, this would be the objective of any entertainer, and this marvelous couple does a fine job of capturing the essence and purpose of the original composer’s meaning.

Once again, I found myself captivated by classical music. What makes it all that much sweeter is that its independent classical musical on the label of the artist. Shapiro and Zucker serve as an inspiration to all artists from every genre on the globe. This is how you do it the indie way with class and style.

Artist: Laurel Zucker & Mark Shapiro
Title: Master Music for Flute & Piano
Genre: Classical
Label
CD Baby Link
Website

Tracks:

01. Cesar Franck Sonata -Allegro ben moderato
02. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegro
03. Cesar Franck Sonata- Recitativo Fantaisia
04. Cesar Franck Sonata- Allegretto poco mosso
05. Maurice Ravel – piece en Forme de Habanera
06. Gabriel Faure – Morceau de Concourse
07. Claude Debussy – The Little Shepherd
08. Franz Schubert – Introduction & Variations on a Theme from Mulle
09. Schubert – Theme -Trochne Blumen
10. Schubert – Variation 1
11. Schubert – variation 2
12. Schubert – variation 3
13. Schubert – variation 4
14. Schubert – variation 5
15. Schubert – variation 6
16. Schubert – variation 7
17. Darius Milhaud Sonatine – Tendre
18. Milhaud – Souple
19. Milhaud – Clair

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck