Classic Performances: Dakota Staton

Here’s a classic YouTube video with Dakota Staton demonstrating the art of scat singing. Beautiful!

Dakota Staton Passes Away…

Vocal jazz legend Dakota Staton, passed away in New York last Tuesday, after a lengthy illness. She was known for her big brash style, similar to Sarah Vaughan. Her album, “The Late, Late Show“, garnered critical acclaim for her fresh interpretations of standards such as “Broadway” and “Summertime”.

source: UPI

Vocal Jazz Performances: Tony Bennett & Michael Buble “Just In Time”

This weeks American Idol was my favorite so far, not because the performances were so great, but because it was nice to hear some of the old standards get some exposure on primetime TV. It would have been better if some of the contestants took to heart some of the knowledge that Tony Bennett tried to impart. But it seems like swing is becoming a lost art. However, tonight’s performance by Michael Buble renewed my hope in the preservation of vocal jazz. Here’s a YouTube video with Michael and Tony performing “Just In Time” from Bennett’s “Duets” CD. Witness the passing of the torch!

Tony Bennett-”Duets: An American Classic” (Sony)

New Vocal Jazz Releases: 4/3/2007

Kurt Elling “Nightmoves” (Concord)

This is the latest release from Vocalese master Kurt Elling, who eschews his usual big, brassy presentation for a new low-key approach. The new style really allows you to appreciate the wonderful tone that he has.

Matt Dusk-”Back in Town” (Decca)

Matt Dusk is the other young crooner from Canada, who like his contemporaries Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum, injects a youthful exuberance into classic songbooks. On this album he alternates between Great American Songbook pieces, and delicate pop numbers, with the majority of them augmented by a big band. If you like Buble and Cullum, then you should check out Dusk.

CD Review for Patti Austin’s “Avant-Gershwin”

The Pittsburgh-Tribune Review has a nice review of Patti Austin’s latest release, “Avant-Gershwin”. While the material is not original or groundbreaking, her crystal-clear and energetic interpretations of Gershwin tunes makes for a very nice listen.

Check out the review here!

Patti Austin-”Avant Gershwin“

Classic Performances: Diane Schuur – “I Just Found Out About Love”

Here’s a You Tube clip from taken from the recording of one of my favorite albums. It’s Diane Schuur live with the Count Basie Orchestra, singing “I Just Found Out About Love”. Enjoy!

Diane Schuur “Diane Schuur & the Count Basie Orchestra” (GRP)

Diana Krall returns to the stage after having twins

According to Canada.com, Diana Krall is returning to the stage about five months after delivering twins last December. Scheduled for May 5th, Krall’s performance will benefit a Children’s Health Program at a Hospital in her native Canada.

Click here to read the full article!

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Rachelle Ferrell returns to Yoshi’s in San Francisco

Online news outlet, BeyondChron, has a nice article about Rachelle Ferrell’s current engagement at the famous jazz venue Yoshi’s in San Francisco, as well as some background on her career. Check it out!

Read the Article Here!

Also, here’s a Youtube clip showing one of her early performances, a beautiful performance of “Autumn Leaves” from her debut CD “First Instrument”. Listen to the out of this world scat improvisation!

Rachelle Ferrell “First Instrument”

Vocal Jazz Performances: John Pizzarelli-”I Got Rhythm”

Here’s another You Tube video featuring one of my favorite vocalists. His name is John Pizzarelli and he’s singing the classic tune “I Got Rhythm”. You may know his distinctive voice from the Foxwoods Casino commercials.

Check out his latest CD “Dear Mr Sinatra”! It’s a great collection of Sinatra classics!

John Pizzarelli “Dear Mr. Sinatra” (Telarc)

Listen to Michael Buble’s new single “Everything”

Michael Buble’s new single “Everything” hit the radio yesterday, and you can listen to it right here on Vocal Jazz Journal! This single is from his upcoming album “Call Me Irresponsible” that is scheduled to hit the stores on May 1st. It sounds similar to his hit “Home”, and I think that he has another hit on his hands with this song!

Listen to “Everything” by Michael Buble! (Via Napster Links, Requires One-Time Free Registration)

Everything (Album Version)

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