Time: 46:01
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Jazz/Blues/Pop/Latin Vocals
Art: Front
01. Afro Blue (Feat. Alex Acuna) (3:36)
02. I'll Remember April (Feat. Doug Webb) (4:40)
03. Minuano (6:39)
04. Estate (6:22)
05. Cloudburst (2:37)
06. Tomorrow's Another Day (4:28)
07. My Funny Valentine (Feat. John Proulx) (6:16)
08. Billie's Bounce (4:02)
09. Moody's Mood For Love (Feat. Cheryl Bentyne) (3:43)
10. You've Proven Your Point (3:33)
Young, ambitious and talented, Ira Hill launches his debut recording Tomorrow with a selection of swinging numbers that combine scat, jazz, blues, adult pop, and Latin rhythms. Produced by Cheryl Bentyne from Manhattan Transfer, Hill makes these songs his own as he embraces the multiple levels of the jazz spectrum, channeling Ella Fitzgerald's stylized scat, the heavenly bossa nova sweetness of Antônio Carlos Jobim, and the swinging cabaret blues of Frank Sinatra. Hill becomes the vessel by which the music of his predecessors relives and thrives in contemporary times.
Tracks like "My Funny Valentine" and "Minuano" have an adult pop finesse, shrouding Hill's vocal glides in silky atmospherics. His intonation caresses the melodic progressions as he personalizes each piece with expressive inflections that call to the listener's attention. His songs aren't background music but draw listeners into the melodies, holding his audience captive. "Estate" is another attractive track with a bossa nova vibe in the rhythm section as Hill sings the lyrics in Spanish.
His scatting vocals might remind listeners of the genre's architects Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway but Hill takes the music form and makes it his own. The spontaneous strut of his vocals in numbers like "Billie's Bounce" and "Cloudburst" has a mesmerizing swag, identifying Hill as the architect behind the rhythmic bounce of his vocal notes. Bluesy tracks like "Moody's Mood for Love" and "Tomorrow's Another Day" move comfortably as though these songs were made for Hill, tailored to his register and natural inclination to gracefully slide his vocals. The up-swinging vamps of "I'll Remember April" and "You've Proven Your Point" elevate the recording to an animated splashing that will remind audiences of the jovial Sammy Davis, Jr. as Hill follows an innate impulse to know when to add thrust into his delivery.
Hill puts his trust in the intuitive impulses which direct his vocals so the songs fit well in his register, taking his cue from the bastion of jazz vocalists who came before him, guided by their own inner voice. He went into the recording intent to make it his own, looking to his vocal engine which has a customized finish to distinguish him from the flock. Ira Hill aced his debut recording, leaving an audience wanting more. ~By Susan Frances
Musicians: Ira Hill - vocals, John Proulx - piano, Kevin Axt - bass, Dave Tull - drums, Craig Fundyga - vibes, Doug Webb - saxophone, Alex Acuña - percussion, Ramon Stagnaro - guitar, Cheryl Bentyne - vocals
Tracks like "My Funny Valentine" and "Minuano" have an adult pop finesse, shrouding Hill's vocal glides in silky atmospherics. His intonation caresses the melodic progressions as he personalizes each piece with expressive inflections that call to the listener's attention. His songs aren't background music but draw listeners into the melodies, holding his audience captive. "Estate" is another attractive track with a bossa nova vibe in the rhythm section as Hill sings the lyrics in Spanish.
His scatting vocals might remind listeners of the genre's architects Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway but Hill takes the music form and makes it his own. The spontaneous strut of his vocals in numbers like "Billie's Bounce" and "Cloudburst" has a mesmerizing swag, identifying Hill as the architect behind the rhythmic bounce of his vocal notes. Bluesy tracks like "Moody's Mood for Love" and "Tomorrow's Another Day" move comfortably as though these songs were made for Hill, tailored to his register and natural inclination to gracefully slide his vocals. The up-swinging vamps of "I'll Remember April" and "You've Proven Your Point" elevate the recording to an animated splashing that will remind audiences of the jovial Sammy Davis, Jr. as Hill follows an innate impulse to know when to add thrust into his delivery.
Hill puts his trust in the intuitive impulses which direct his vocals so the songs fit well in his register, taking his cue from the bastion of jazz vocalists who came before him, guided by their own inner voice. He went into the recording intent to make it his own, looking to his vocal engine which has a customized finish to distinguish him from the flock. Ira Hill aced his debut recording, leaving an audience wanting more. ~By Susan Frances
Musicians: Ira Hill - vocals, John Proulx - piano, Kevin Axt - bass, Dave Tull - drums, Craig Fundyga - vibes, Doug Webb - saxophone, Alex Acuña - percussion, Ramon Stagnaro - guitar, Cheryl Bentyne - vocals
Tomorrow