Maria Anadon - Why Jazz?

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:56
Size: 121,6 MB
Art: Front

(4:13)  1. Going to Chicag Blues
(5:21)  2. Angel Eyes
(3:26)  3. Up and Fly Right
(7:20)  4. Caravan
(3:48)  5. My Foolish Heart
(3:43)  6. Someone Else Steppin'in
(4:18)  7. 'Round Midnight
(6:37)  8. Ask Me Now
(4:39)  9. Dindi
(6:03) 10. But Beautiful
(3:23) 11. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy

Maria Anadon's musical passion, intellect, and creativity are perfectly matched with her intuitive understanding and interpretation of lyric and melody, as well as her superior gift of "scat." She easily transitions between the world of traditional jazz, Fado, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, fusion and the like. As one critic stated:  Maria sings with the confidence and sophistication of one who feels and convincingly expresses the true meaning of every word she says and every note she sings. For years the press questioned Maria Anadon, "Why jazz?" In 1995 she finally responded with her first CD, supported by the Portuguese Ministry of Culture, and named it Why Jazz? Backed by the all-woman American jazz quartet Unpredictable Nature and sung completely in English, Maria included her answer in the CD's liner notes… "That's why!" 

In 1998 Maria released her second CD Cem Anos (Movieplay/Groove Records), which is a compilation of beautiful themes taken from the soundtracks of notable Portuguese films. Contemporary Portuguese composers, such as Antonio Pinho Vargas, Carlos Paredes, Manuel Jorge Veloso and Tomas Pimentel contributed works to this CD, as did several of Portugal's most modern poets. With music spanning almost a century, Maria's extraordinary voice is used not only as an interpreter of stunning lyrics, but also as a literal instrument, sometimes enhancing the instrumental sections. This CD encompasses styles ranging from Lisbon Fado to Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and New Orleans Jazz.  Following Cem Anos Maria collaborated with Maestro Antonio Saiote and the Orquestra Invicta de Clarinets to record another soundtrack CD, featuring movie themes from North America. In 2000 Maria began working with the Italian pianist Arrigo Cappelletie on a project combining Fado, Jazz and original lyrics composed by contemporary Portuguese poets such as Fernando Pessoa, Alvaro de Campos, Sofia de Melo Breyner and others. Simultaneously she premiered her new group Terra d' Agua (Forest Hill Records) and their CD Viagem de um Som.

Shortly after Terra d'Agua, Maria formed the Maria Anadon Ensemble, fusing world music with traditional jazz. In addition to innovative arrangements, this group's unique instrumentation features Davide Zaccaria on cello, Arnaldo Fonseca on accordion and Jose Soares on guitar.In addition to Maria's busy and eclectic performance and recording schedule she also teaches at Musicland in Mafra, maintains a private voice studio and activity presents vocal workshops and master classes throughout Europe. Maria's newest project was recorded in the United States with the critically acclaimed ensemble FIVE PLAY. Supported by the Portuguese Ministry of Culture, her new CD is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2006.  http://www.divajazz.com/personnel/personnel/maria.html

Personnel:  Maria Anadon (vocals);  Carol Chaikin (flute, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone);  Roberta Piket (piano);  Sherrie Maricle (drums).

Why Jazz?

---