Search - Karrin Allyson :: From Paris to Rio

From Paris to Rio
Karrin Allyson
From Paris to Rio
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

On this release, Kansas City-based vocalist Karrin Allyson embraces romantic classics from both French and Brazilian perspectives. While this is not the first time Allyson has recorded in Portuguese or French, this disc sh...  more »

     

CD Details

All Artists: Karrin Allyson
Title: From Paris to Rio
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Jvc Japan
Release Date: 5/31/2004
Album Type: Import
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Vocal Jazz, Bebop, Vocal Pop, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1

Synopsis

Amazon.com
On this release, Kansas City-based vocalist Karrin Allyson embraces romantic classics from both French and Brazilian perspectives. While this is not the first time Allyson has recorded in Portuguese or French, this disc showcases her multicultural impulses with a cozy elegance. Using talented backing musicians, including keyboard players Gil Goldstein and Paul Smith, Allyson covers splendid compositions by the likes of Jacques Brel, Brazil's Caetano Veloso, and America's most notorious jazz expatriate, Bud Powell. On "Plasir d'Amour (The Pleasure of Love)," Allyson's lilting vocals are flawlessly embellished by Rod Fleeman's acoustic guitar and Bob Bowman's bass, as well as an understated string quartet. A wholly mature effort from one of our brightest young voices, From Paris to Rio is a swinging travelogue in song. --Mitch Myers

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CD Reviews

Love At First Listen
Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 03/10/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

""Sometimes I wish life were simpler - that I only sang standards, or be-bop, or only pop tunes or ballads, but in fact I have many musical loves. When we do venture outside the traditional borders of the word 'jazz,' - we will play with a jazz sensibility." ~ Karrin Allyson ~



I'm so impressed with Karrin Allyson for her fine effort in recording this beautiful work of art "From Paris To Rio" and making it one of the most lovable albums ever produced. I fell in love with this album at first listen from the very first note of "Sous Le Ciel De Paris" down to the very last note of "That Day" (Cinema Paradiso). What makes this recording more special is the rare combination of English, French, Brazilian and Italian love songs rendered so eloquently by Ms. Allyson and artistically arranged by her musical-collaborator and partner-in-life, Bill McGlaughlin, an accomplished composer, arranger, conductor, musicologist and classical music radio host.



As someone who truly appreciates French, Italian and Brazilian songs, I find the entire CD very pleasing to the ears. My special mention goes to one of my favorites, a very fine musician and a multi-Grammy awardee, Gil Goldstein, for his exquisite instrumentation on accordion. Listen closely to my top favorite "Sous Le Ciel De Paris" where he displays his expertise in accordion together with Paul Smith on piano, Rod Fleeman on acoustic guitar, Bob Bowman on bass and Todd Strait on drums. This is what Karrin Allyson has to say about this lovely song and I totally concur with her sentiment. Here goes...



"For me this song is a painting of Paris - romantic and idealized - the Paris of our dreams. Lovers walking arm in arm near Notre Dame Cathedral, crossing the bridges along the Seine, hearing accordions along the way - all under Paris skies."



One of the best tracks is the charming "Samba Saravah," which is becoming a jazz staple nowadays and is being recorded by many jazz artists. It has a touch of sadness to it. And to quote what Ms. Allyson has written on Liner Notes...



"This song speaks of the loving obsession the French have for the samba.

A samba without sadness is like a wine with no power to intoxicate."



She is at her most emotional self as she renders Jacques Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas" in a moving and heartfelt fashion. She wanted to "convey in this heart-breaking song the sense of loss and desperation a lover feels when the other goes away." She is also full of praise on Gil Goldstein "amazing solo." Indeed, it is a breathtaking solo full of majesty and ingenuity!



One of the wonderful highlights is a song written by Giovanni Martini, "Plasir d' Amour," which features Rod Fleeman on acoustic guitar and Bob Bowman on bass with an adorable string quartet from Kansas City Symphony namely Grigori Sandominsky and Paul J. Hatton (violin), John Adams (viola) and Steven Elisha (cello). The quote below pretty much sums up the song's theme...



"The joy of love lasts but a moment

The heartache lasts your whole life through"



Like Karrin Allyson who "fell in love with its simple and haunting melody," I am also enthralled with "Coracão Vagabundo," an enchanting song showcasing not only her ever-charming vocals, but also Gil Goldstein and Bob Bowman incredible solos on piano and bass, respectively.



I also love that delightful rhythm of "O Barquinho," a Bossa Nova staple about "getting away from it all." It displays Karrin Allyson's vocal art that speaks of crystal clear phrasing and flawless modulation. It is simply overflowing with smooth grooves and engaging chops courtesy of Danny Embrey's guitar, Kim Park's sax, Paul Smith's piano, Bow Bowman's bass and Todd Smith's drums.



I could go on and on with all the superlatives about this album, but suffice it to say that I enjoyed with great pleasure listening to it and would wholeheartedly recommend it to any music lover who can appreciate the tasty and lovely French and Brazilian standards.



Bonjour! Bom Dia!"