Dina Blade - My Romance

Size: 128,0 MB
Time: 54:09
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2006
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. It Might As Well Be Spring (3:08)
02. My Romance (3:52)
03. Weaver Of Dreams (4:28)
04. Imagination (5:10)
05. Love (3:03)
06. That's For Me (2:59)
07. Miami Beach Rhumba (3:12)
08. Emily (2:47)
09. Rhode Island Is Famous For You (3:02)
10. New Coat Of Paint (3:09)
11. Just In Time (4:17)
12. Indian Summer (2:58)
13. Give Me The Simple Life (2:57)
14. You And The Night And The Music (3:57)
15. I Don't Worry 'bout A Thing (2:09)
16. But Beautiful (2:54)

Personnel:
Dina Blade – vocals; Hans Brehmer – piano; Larry Holloway – acoustic bass; Ken French – drums; Scott Kettron – congas & percussion; Jim Knodle – muted trumpet; Craig Flory – tenor saxophone (track 15)

This cd was selected as one of the Best Nortwest Jazz cds of 2006 by DJ Jim Wilke of NPR-KPLU's Jazz Northwest and Jazz After Hours. No wonder.
On this recording, straight ahead and swinging jazz vocalist Dina Blade sets a joyful mood backed by a rhythm section of piano, bass, drums, congas. With the addition of trumpet and tenor sax, the romp through a plethora of gems from the Great American Songbook is playfully creative. Dina Blade's voice is in terrific form, especially on standards like "Just in Time" which finds her in her element. The perfectly swinging musical sense that is her trademark intensifies as she becomes uplifted and really "digs in" after hearing the astoundingly virtuosic bass solo of Larry Holloway. The rafters are raised! There are many different grooves to be enjoyed here, and those who delight in latin rhythms will find satisfaction in several cuts, including the sassy "Miami Beach Rhumba" and the searing, up tempo "Love", where Dina's vocal soars above the unusual accompaniment of congas, bass and trumpet. A real stand out is the Rodgers and Hart's classic "My Romance", also the title track, which easily flows from slow waltz to hard swing and back again, highlighting Dina's sensuous vibrato. In contrast is the obscure but compelling "New Coat of Paint", with its hip, angular trumpet lines that provide a hypnotic, surreal backdrop for Tom Wait's saucy lyric. Guest artist tenor saxophonist Craig Flory treats listeners to a few amazing choruses on the shuffle blues "I Don't Worry Bout a Thing" by Mose Allison. The lovely jazz waltz "Emily", with it's rarely heard lyric is sure to please, along with the haunting ballad "But Beautiful", performed as a sparse but very effective bass and voice duet. Pianist and arranger Hans Brehmer contributed "vocalese" (additional lyrics) to two songs, adding humor to "Give Me the Simple Life" and intrigue to "Weaver of Dreams". The diversity of material presents something for everyone, and showcases the versatility of this vocalist who is passionate about finding well-crafted songs and bringing forth their best qualities. Above all, Dina Blade is a refreshingly natural singer with a great sense of time and swing: assets that continue to make her an audience favorite.

My Romance

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Dina Blade - Shall We Dance?

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2019
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 56:39
Size: 131,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:42) 1. The Best Things Happen While You're Dancing
(2:56) 2. I Could Have Danced All Night
(2:52) 3. Comes Love
(3:27) 4. Sway
(3:03) 5. Rhythm Town
(4:33) 6. Cry Me a River
(3:51) 7. Night and Day
(3:35) 8. Charade
(3:32) 9. You're the Boss
(3:35) 10. Quando Quando Quando
(3:54) 11. Dance Me to the End of Love
(2:26) 12. Alright Ok You Win
(3:02) 13. Dream
(3:26) 14. Shall We Dance
(2:25) 15. I Don't Know Enough About You
(3:27) 16. So Nice to Come Home To
(3:43) 17. Our Love is Here to Stay

I thought I’d share this photo which was taken at a “Victory Dance” in 1946 at the end of World War II (my parents are on the far left). It was a time of celebration, hope and promise. Many more dances would follow, as well as careers, marriages and children. While I was growing up, my parents would regularly have the neighbors over to “relax with a few highballs” before going over to the parish dance at our church’s social hall. They danced well into their eighties, and instilled a love of dancing in all 4 of us kids. Sooo, two weeks from today, on Saturday, May 18th, I would be delighted if you would help me celebrate the release of my new CD “Shall We Dance?”. This is a dream come true for me, and I am especially proud of the band’s cohesively beautiful, swinging sound. Big fun awaits you! Arrive early and take the free dance lesson or just show up to watch and listen, but if dancing is in your future, please save one for me! Your toe-tappin’ finger-snappin’ pal, Dina Blade. https://www.dinablade.com/shall-we-dance/

Shall We Dance?

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Dina Blade - Bossa Amazônica

Styles: Brazilian Jazz, Bossa Nova
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:56
Size: 97,2 MB
Art: Front

(2:33)  1. Só Danço Samba
(4:05)  2. Garota de Ipanema
(4:09)  3. Não Foi Amor
(3:24)  4. Ilu Ayê
(4:37)  5. Corcovado
(4:00)  6. Pra Que Discutir Com Madame
(5:28)  7. Carinhoso
(2:15)  8. O Pato
(3:28)  9. Rosa Morena
(5:13) 10. Ave Maria no Morro
(2:39) 11. Adeus Acre Querido

Here is a review from the August 2016 issue of Earshot Jazz Magazine. (Note: the adjective "ataractic" means state of serene calmness). "Summer is finally upon us, and Dina Blade has given listeners a soundtrack to which they can enjoy the warmer months. As listeners journey through the ataractic tracks, a few surprises pop up along the way - one of which is a sensational cover of "The Girl From Ipanema." The album showcases a large group of talented musicians consisting of Dario Quintana on drums, Sandoval França on soprano and tenor sax, Pedro Cruz on violin, André Dantas on a medley of instruments, Alexandre Anselmo on batería and jeff Busch on cuica. At the forefront of the listening experience are Blade's controlled and powerful vocals. Smoother subgenres of jazz can at times be difficult to capture dynamically, yet Blade pulls this off flawlessly. Blade, who is no stranger to the culture of South America, sports a palpable understanding and a creative approach to bossa nova. The captivating soundscapes created by the ensemble seem to lull listeners into entrancement. But, as soon as you find yourself drifting away, Blade's voice guides you back in. Grab yourself a smooth cocktail, set up some speakers outside, and dive into the enticing tones of Dina Blade's "Bossa Amazonica"." ~CC

My fascination with Brazilian bossa nova began the moment I heard singer/guitarist João Gilberto playing “Só Danço Samba” (“I Only Dance Samba”). I was enthralled with the combination of the alluring rhythm and marvelous melody that made me feel calm but definitely alive. I was also amazed to hear so much music coming out of just one person! By mid-song I was smitten and vowed right then to begin learning the rhythms of bossa nova guitar and Brazilian Portuguese. So began my journey. First I travelled to Salvador, the country’s original capital in the northeastern state of Bahia, where drum schools prevail and African rhythms permeate every genre of local music. Five years passed before I returned to Brazil, this time to Rio de Janeiro, and in that marvelous city at a rooftop party overlooking Ipanema beach, I discovered how much Brazilians love to sing and was thrilled to accompany them on my guitar. Everyone joined in enthusiastically and I received several delicious caipirinhas for my efforts. Soon after, on a side trip to Campinas near São Paulo, I was invited to give a concert of American jazz and bossa nova with an excellent local quartet, and performed some tap dancing, trading rhythms with the drummer! Another high point. In recent years I have visited the Amazonian city of Rio Branco, where this CD project was recorded, and have had many incredible experiences playing with musicians in that beautiful place in the Amazon forest, communicating through our common language of music: jazz, folk, bossa nova and samba. The people of Rio Branco are extremely kind, generous, and warmly accepting of me, the “cantora americana,” for which I am grateful. This project is dedicated to them, my wonderful friends in Acre state. Thank you all for the inspiration and unforgettable memories. You have made my life richer and I will keep you in my heart forever. https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dinablade6

Bossa Amazônica

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Dina Blade - S' Wonderful

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2001
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 46:19
Size: 106,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:04)  1. S'Wonderful
(4:18)  2. On the Street Where you Live
(5:16)  3. That's All
(3:10)  4. Summer Samba
(2:38)  5. In the Cool Cool Cool of the Evening
(3:46)  6. How Strange
(3:52)  7. Waltz for Debby
(2:11)  8. It's Allright with Me
(4:32)  9. Suddenly It's Spring
(3:46) 10. That Old Black Magic
(4:10) 11. The Boy Next Door
(2:42) 12. On the Atchinson, Topeka and the Santa Fe
(2:48) 13. Too Marvelous for Words

Backed by a rhythm section of world class musicians, Dina Blade delivers classic jazz standards with a relaxed vocal style that is "smooth and delicious" ~ KMUN radio

I have been singing all my life. I began accompanying myself on the guitar at age eleven, singing folk songs. Eventually I added jazz standards and bossa nova to my repertoire. One day I received a recording of vocal exercises as a gift. It stayed on the shelf for ten years. When I scheduled my first jazz vocal recording session, I decided to try the exercises in preparation. Within three weeks I noticed a remarkable improvement in my breath control, pitch and range, and I was hooked! Today, as a professional vocalist, I have found vocal exercises to be an absolutely essential part of my daily routine. My vocal students are busy folks, and I wanted to give them a fun tool to help them stay relaxed while they warm up to sing. Thus, this cd was born. "Nothing complicated here, and you can use it anywhere." ~Victory Music Review  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dinablade5

S' Wonderful

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Dina Blade - I'm In The Mood For Love

Size: 137,1 MB
Time: 58:35
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2002
Styles: Jazz Vocals
Art: Front

01. I Won't Dance (4:21)
02. Big Spender (5:08)
03. Remind Me (4:38)
04. A Fine Romance (3:08)
05. I'm In The Mood For Love (5:44)
06. The Way You Look Tonight (5:41)
07. Pick Yourself Up (2:48)
08. April Fooled Me (4:38)
09. I Can't Give You Anything But Love (4:17)
10. Lovely To Look At (4:16)
11. On The Sunny Side Of The Street (2:43)
12. Don't Blame Me (7:18)
13. Exactly Like You (3:51)

This is a rather addictive recording, in which Dina Blade performs intimate versions of the best-known Fields songs, accompanied only by Bill Mays.

The most striking aspect of the recording is Blade's direct, confiding style. She clearly has great respect for both lyrics and music, and her fine voice is complimented by clear but unforced diction.

She has the confidence to take some of these tracks very slowly indeed! A highlight is an insinuating version of Big Spender, which takes 5 seductive minutes.

She performs some rarely-heard verses - both Don't Blame Me and Lovely To Look At include two verses.

I'm In The Mood For Love

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Dina Blade - Sentimental Journey Popular Songs From WW II

Styles: Vocal, Jazz
Year: 2010
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:19
Size: 78,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:29)  1. Accentuate The Positive
(2:10)  2. I Thought About You
(1:58)  3. G.I. Jive
(3:18)  4. Star Dust
(2:52)  5. Perfidia
(4:03)  6. Blues In The Night
(2:51)  7. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(2:56)  8. My Buddy
(3:02)  9. Sentimental Journey
(2:33) 10. White Cliffs Of Dover
(3:00) 11. It's Been A Long Long Time
(2:01) 12. I'll Be Seeing You

This cd’s mellow, “jazzy-bluesy” vibe creates a compelling listening experience that brings a distant era much closer while rekindling its magic. Vocalist Dina Blade “literally breathes new life into old standards” (-Jazziz Magazine), and captures the spirit of these 1930s and 40s wartime megahits with a relaxed and swinging sound that will not only delight listeners already familiar with her work, but establish new fans of both the music and the artist. “Beautiful new album.” ~Carol Newman KMUN radio  

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dinablade4

Sentimental Journey

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