Sylvia Bennett - Amazing Love

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2024
Time: 24:53
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Size: 57,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:17) 1. One Love
(3:12) 2. Amazing Love (Shore Mix)
(3:56) 3. Two Hearts One Soul
(3:53) 4. You
(3:40) 5. Right Before Your Eyes
(3:32) 6. This Love is Real
(3:21) 7. La Mer

Renowned for her enchanting voice that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide, Sylvia Bennett blends jazz sophistication with pop allure. Discovered by the legendary Lionel Hampton, Sylvia is a Grammy-nominated international recording artist and songwriter whose career has spanned illustrious performances at Presidential Inaugurations and alongside icons like Bob Hope and Dizzy Gillespie.

Her musical journey began with Hampton, leading to their Grammy-nominated collaboration on 'Sentimental Journey' and a touching tribute, 'There Will Never Be Another You.' Sylvia's discography boasts twelve albums, including 'Amazing Love,' a poignant ode to her late husband, Hal.

Beyond her music, Sylvia curates the Sylvia Bennett Gift Collection and delights in captivating live audiences with her versatile repertoire, spanning Broadway classics to international hits. Whether singing in English, Spanish, or French, Sylvia's mission remains unwavering: to uplift hearts and spirits through the universal language of music. https://sylviabennett.com/bio

Amazing Love

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Sylvia Bennett - Reflections

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 25:46
Size: 59,5 MB
Art: Front

(3:24) 1. Reflections
(3:52) 2. All Through the Years
(3:45) 3. Feel Again
(3:21) 4. I Never Thought
(4:27) 5. Along the Way
(3:31) 6. Witchcraft (World Mix)
(3:23) 7. Feel Again (Acoustic)

Since her recording debut on the Grammy-nominated SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY album with music icon Lionel Hampton, multi-talented jazz vocalist and songwriter Sylvia Bennett has become something of a legend herself, with a dozen solo albums to date, and a successful emergence into Smooth Jazz that includes collaborations with Arturo Sandoval, Paul Brown, Rick Braun and Nathan East.

With production by longtime collaborator and producer Hal S. Batt, the vibrant singer’s latest album REFLECTIONS finds her looking firmly ahead, pairing her lush, lilting and sultry vocals with seductive light grooves and sweet caressing musical atmospheres. Complementing her emotionally impactful originals with a tasty “world mix” of a Songbook standard ("Witchcraft"), she thoughtfully explores the many facets of relationships, from hopeful beginnings and making dreams reality to the fine art of working things through.https://www.smoothjazz.com/jazzblasts/artist/39213/sylvia-bennett

Reflections

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Sylvia Bennett - Sonrie

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:18
Size: 90,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:28) 1. Mirada De Amor
(3:12) 2. Besame Mucho
(3:22) 3. Por Ti
(3:56) 4. Sonrie
(2:38) 5. Quien Sera
(3:04) 6. Somos Novios
(2:40) 7. Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado
(3:44) 8. Tanto Vivir
(3:54) 9. Perfidia
(3:43) 10. La Sombra De Tu Amor
(2:39) 11. El Reloj
(2:53) 12. Sabor A Mi

Inspired by her passion for Latin music and culture, Sonríe realizes one of Sylvia Bennett’s most cherished dreams: a Spanish language recording of timeless classics. Lose yourself in the Grammy nominated artist’s sultry voice a voice first discovered by jazz legend, Lionel Hampton, and lauded by U.S. Presidents and critics alike. Sonríe is an irresistible Latin seduction, a tropical concoction as intoxicating as a first kiss.

“Grammy award winning vocalist Sylvia Bennett releases Sonríe, a jazz standards release with a new twist, well a Latin tinged one at least. In an era where a high percentage of jazz vocalists focus on the technique and articulation of the notes, it is refreshing to hear a master of song stylings put her spin on classic jazz standards completely sung in Spanish. So what about the authenticity you ask? Italian born, Bennett an always striving for perfection and reaching new heights (no wonder Lionel Hampton hired her permanently) artist procured a language coach (Juan Angelogianopulos) to make sure her journey would be flawless, and I must say that it is. Bennett shines; she lures the listener in with her luxurious voice and golden pipes, then sets the mood and delivers just the right atmosphere no matter the language for the listener.” http://www.sylviabennett.com/music_sonrie.html

Sonrie

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Sylvia Bennett - This Love Is Real

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2020
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 25:21
Size: 58,9 MB
Art: Front

(3:32)  1. This Love Is Real
(4:00)  2. Lorilee
(3:04)  3. It’s Impossible (NE Version)
(3:54)  4. Shadow of Your Smile (HB Version)
(3:40)  5. One-Sided Love
(3:56)  6. Where or When (SF Version)
(3:13)  7. Lorilee (Pop)

“Man, the lady can sing! Her magic gets to the ears and the hearts of the audience.” ~ Lionel Hampton

She’s one part jazz, one part pop, and one part sultry. If you like Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and Rosemary Clooney, you’ll LOVE Sylvia Bennett.

Italian born and American raised Sylvia Bennett is a Grammy nominated international recording artist and song–writer who has performed at Presidential Inaugurations and opened for such renowned artists as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Jackie Mason, Dizzy Gillespie, Barry Gibb and David Brenner. Discovered by the legendary Lionel Hampton, she has since captivated audiences and critics alike with her sultry, honeyed tones and seductive blend of jazz and pop. She’s the inimitable, unforgettable Sylvia Bennett.

Sylvia and Lionel Hampton’s first recording project was the Grammy nominated Sentimental Journey. A second project, There Will Never Be Another You, was a CD/DVD tribute she dedicated to her beloved mentor and would be followed by nine more CDs: Songs From the Heart (featuring Boots Randolph, Ed Calle, and Kirk Whalum), It’s Christmas Time, Smile, Sonríe, C’est Si Bon, Best Love Songs, It’s All About Love, For You and I Wish You Love. It’s All About Love, Sylvia’s first CD of all original music, reached #24 on the 2016 SmoothJazz.com Year End Top 50 Album Chart. In 2017, Sylvia Bennett teamed up with Grammy award winner Paul Brown after their mutual friend and music colleague, Sandy Shore Founder/President/CEO of Smooth Jazz Global Radio, brought them together. They recorded a unique and modern rendition of the timeless classic, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, at Afterhours Music, in North Miami with Sylvia’s long–time producer, Hal S. Batt. It reached #18 in the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Holiday Chart, #26 in the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Chart, and #20 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Indicator Chart.

Because it’s all we need... because it’s the answer and because it never fails, Sylvia Bennett wishes everyone love on her latest recording I WISH YOU LOVE. Dipping into her collection of favorites from the classic songs that she’s romanced over the years in several languages, this luciously arranged and produced set by Hal S. Batt, is all in English and features some amazing special guests including the one and only bass master, Nathan East on an impeccable cover of “It’s Impossible” and Chart–topping Smooth Jazz trumpeter Rick Braun on a highly enjoyable run of “C’est Si Bon,"” or as we like to call it, “C’est Si Braun.” Really, it’s all you need to get by. Love that is... and this wonderful assortment of love songs falls into that category as well. Find out for yourself! In addition to recording and creating new products for the Sylvia Bennett Gift Collection, she loves to perform in front of a live audience and has created a range of shows that cover everything from Broadway to pop and from swing to international. She sings in English, Spanish, and French but regardless of the language her goal remains the same: to bring people joy through music and song! http://www.sylviabennett.com/bio.html

This Love Is Real

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Sylvia Bennett - I Wish You Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2018
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:09
Size: 99,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:13)  1. Besame Mucho (English Version)
(3:05)  2. It's Impossible (feat Nathan East)
(2:52)  3. C'est Magnifique (English Version)
(3:44)  4. I Wish You Love
(2:38)  5. Sway
(3:28)  6. Autumn Leaves
(3:21)  7. Beyond the Sea
(2:38)  8. A Man and a Woman
(2:44)  9. La Vie En Rose (English Version)
(3:37) 10. I Will Wait for You
(3:16) 11. C'est Si Bon (English Version) feat Rick Braun
(2:19) 12. Moulin Rouge (English Version)
(2:54) 13. Be True to Me (Sabor a Mi)
(3:14) 14. I Wish You Love (Radio Edit)

Born in Italy, but emigrating to Philadelphia when she was a child, Sylvia Bennett traveled a twisted path on her way to becoming a jazz singer. Her first taste of show business came through appearances on children's shows during the 1950's. She started singing professionally in 1976 after moving to Miami, doing cabaret and pop. She even released two disco records. After she earned some notoriety, Phyllis Diller, Jackie Mason and other headliners began to use her to open their acts when in Florida. She was content being a pop performer until she met Lionel Hampton, who told her she should be singing jazz. Recording with Hampton in 1985, Bennett worked with him at festivals and at the inaugurals of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Three jazz records resulted from Hampton's injunction to go jazz  I Need a Man in 1988 for New York Music, Rainbows in the Sky in 1991 for her own company, Out of Sight Music, and Here's That Rainy Day for Bay Cities in 1992. Tenor man Boots Randolph joined her on the latter session. During the 1990's, Bennett has appeared at European jazz festivals, notably in Budapest and in Amsterdam. Citing such diverse influences as Barbra Streisand and Nancy Wilson, Bennett possesses a clear soprano voice, is at ease with both ballads and up tempo tunes and takes an occasional fling with the blues. ~ Dave Nathan https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-wish-you-love/1361118785

I Wish You Love

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Sylvia Bennett - For You

Size: 101,7 MB
Time: 38:56
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 201/
Styles: Jazz/Pop Vocals
Art: Front

01. For You (3:41)
02. Stay With Me (3:39)
03. Two Hearts One Soul (3:56)
04. I Never Thought (3:21)
05. Fly Me To The Moon (2:30)
06. Smile (Lounge Version) (3:47)
07. Loving You (3:48)
08. Look Of Love (Smooth Pop Version) (3:43)
09. Make Someone Happy (3:31)
10. Glad To Know (3:07)
11. Smile (Chill Version) (3:49)

Sylvia Bennett continues her journey into smooth original music… her brand new album FOR YOU, delivers another successful set of contemporary, sensuous songs from the Grammy-nominated, Miami-based vocalist and songwriter. On the heals of IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE, which climbed up to #24 in 2016 on SmoothJazz.com’s Top 50 Album Airplay Chart. The new release features the successful collaborative combo with Ms. Bennett’s longtime producer and writing partner, Hal S. Batt. The renowned Miami producer and After Hours studio owner has worked with some of the biggest names in Miami recording history including Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, Regina Belle and many more. Also, this go around, Sylvia invites Hungarian violinist and bandleader Peter Ferencz, from the Smooth Jazz Pop ensemble, Peet Project. Modern love songs, jazzy chilled arrangements, heart string-tugging vocals and sophisticated musicianship… FOR YOU is for all of us!

For You

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Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra Feat. Sylvia Bennett - Sentimental Journey

Styles: Vocal And Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 1985
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 37:09
Size: 86,3 MB
Art: Front

(3:31)  1. Sentimental Journey
(3:12)  2. Don't Get Around Much Any More
(2:32)  3. The Lady Is A Tramp
(3:34)  4. Undecided
(6:12)  5. It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)
(6:53)  6. It's All Right With Me
(4:28)  7. Lullabye of Birdland
(3:03)  8. Almost Like Being In Love
(3:40)  9. Avalon (Instrumental)

A rather forgettable album, this set mostly features the okay vocals of Sylvia Bennett on a variety of overplayed swing standards. Lionel Hampton's big band is mostly restricted to background work with occasional short individual spots while Hampton himself is the only soloist on five of the nine selections, including the lone instrumental, "Avalon." The lack of liner notes on the Atlantic LP is surprising since its purpose seemed to be to introduce a new singer. This set can be safely passed by. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/sentimental-journey-mw0000193276

Personnel:  Bass – Pat O'Leary; Drums – Rick Visone;  Piano – Alan Simon (2) ;  Saxophone – Adam Brenner, Dave Schumacher, Doug Miller, Jerry Weldon, Tom Chapin;  Synthesizer [Yamaha Dx-7], Vibraphone – Lionel Hampton;  Trombone – Charles Stephens, Chris Gulhaugen, John Gordon, Robert Trowers;  Trumpet – Al Bryant, John Pendenza, Lee Romano, Vince Cutro;  Vocals [Featuring] – Sylvia Bennett

Sentimental Journey

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Sylvia Bennett - It's All About Love

Styles: Vocal, Jazz Contemporary
Year: 2016
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:43
Size: 92,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:59)  1. It's All About Love
(3:31)  2. Another Love Song
(3:49)  3. Letting Our Feelings Go
(4:04)  4. Somewhere In The Moonlight
(3:27)  5. Don't Need Another Lover
(3:22)  6. Por Ti
(3:09)  7. You Were My Best Friend
(3:56)  8. I Still Love You
(3:44)  9. New Love
(3:15) 10. One Love
(3:23) 11. Pour Toi

Sylvia Bennett’s first all original, contemporary jazz album, It's All About Love, is finally available. Featuring the Grammy–nominated singer in an entirely new sonic atmosphere, one that plays on her sensual side and taps into her 24/7, deeply held belief that love is the answer as well as the question. The project has produced two hits before its release date and the 3rd single, the title track, “It’s All About Love,” is no doubt going to be another runaway radio smash as well with its smooth, ethereal groove featuring the high studio standards of producer/songwriter Hal S. Batt (Shakira, Julio Iglesias) and the gorgeous layering of voice with a sweet, seductive musical ambiance. 

The Miami song machine is in her creative prime and is redefining the business of music, with no intentions of stopping anytime soon! Sylvia Bennett, is an international recording artist and songwriter who has performed at Presidential Inaugurations and opened for such renowned artists as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Jackie Mason, Dizzy Gillespie, Barry Gibb and David Brenner. Discovered by the legendary Lionel Hampton, she has since captivated audiences and critics alike with her sultry and honeyed toned voice. She’s the inimitable, unforgettable Sylvia Bennett.http://www.sylviabennett.com/music_its_all_about_love_album.html

It's All About Love

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Lionel Hampton Feat. Sylvia Bennett - There Will Never Be Another You

Styles: Vocal And Vibraphone Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 47:46
Size: 109,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:01)  1. Just One of Those Things
(2:44)  2. There Will Never Be Another You
(6:01)  3. Cookin' In The Kitchen (a.k.a. Jumpin' At The Mudhole)
(3:14)  4. Sweet Man of Mine
(3:12)  5. Beulah's Boogie
(2:29)  6. Bill Bailey
(3:35)  7. It Might As Well Be Spring
(4:00)  8. Together
(5:05)  9. Red Top
(3:17) 10. Please Love Me
(3:36) 11. Someday
(3:34) 12. You Make My Heart Sing
(3:53) 13. You Make My Heart Sing (Remix)

Legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton auditioned Italian-born vocalist Sylvia Bennett in the early '80s, hired her on the spot to sing with his band, and subsequently recorded two albums with her. The first, Sentimental Journey, received a Grammy Award nomination, but the second, recorded in 1989 when Hamp was a frisky eighty years old, sat neglected for reasons unknown ever since and is only now being heard for the first time. And it's high time, too. To state the case as clearly as possible, the album is a sheer delight. Hamp plays marvelously in front of a large ensemble comprised of south Florida's finest sidemen, and Bennett weighs in with charming vocals on seven tracks, including two contrasting versions of "You Make My Heart Sing (the second marred by electronic gimmickry and pointless commentary by Lionel). 

One can easily hear why Hampton thought so much of Bennett; her diction is crystal-clear, she sings squarely on-key, respects (and sells) a lyric, and even though she's essentially a pop singer, she knows how to swing when necessary. Oh, and she has a really nice voice. The album alternates between vocals and instrumentals, with Hamp taking almost all the solos on the latter, which include "Just One of Those Things, "Cookin' in the Kitchen, "Beulah's Boogie, "It Might as Well Be Spring, "Red Top and "Someday. Bennett is warm and enchanting, especially on "Another You, a Brazilian-flavored "Bill Bailey and "Together. Good as the album is, however, there's even more to savor a thirty-minute companion DVD that explains more fully how the albums came about and shows Hamp and Bennett in action, so to speak (even though a large part of the footage has obviously been re-created, Bennett is lip-synching the lyrics some in Hamp's kitchen! and several clips of Lionel leading his band were clearly borrowed from other sources and are unrelated to these sessions). 

There are, however, brief but engaging scenes (and stills) of Hamp's band in concert with Bennett as vocalist (including a date at President Ronald Reagan's inauguration in '86). And we learn, for example, that Hamp came to Miami after the tracks for this album had been recorded, adding his vibe (and piano) solos and backgrounds seamlessly to the mix. Works perfectly too; one couldn't tell from listening that he wasn't there when the band was in the studio. Due credit here to the great work by producer/writer/arranger Hal Batt, who's scarcely mentioned on the album but is prominent on the DVD. Hampton and Bennett were a perfect fit, their second album together is remarkable, and it's a shame they didn't record together more often. But at least we have this one better late than never and it's a consistently impressive eye-opener. ~ Jack Bowers  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/there-will-never-be-another-you-lionel-hampton-out-of-sight-music-review-by-jack-bowers.php#.VC81yRawTP8
 

Personnel: Lionel Hampton: leader, vibraphone, synthesizer; Mike Lewis: conductor; Sylvia Bennett: vocals; Jim Hacker, Brett Murphy, Tony Luschen, John Georgini: trumpet; Neil Bonsanti, Billy Ross, Chip McNeill, Jeff King, Whit Sidner: reeds; Phil Gray, Tom Garling, Dana Teboe, Greg Cox: trombone; Hal Batt: keyboards, guitar, bass; Bobby Pancoast: keyboards; Dave Hardman (1-10,13), Gotz Kujack (11,12): drums; Sammy Figueroa: percussion.

There Will Never Be Another You

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Sylvia Bennett - C'est Si Bon

Bitrate: 320K/s
Time: 40:33
Size: 92.8 MB
Styles: Jazz-pop vocals
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[2:51] 1. C'est Magnifique
[3:00] 2. C'est Si Bon
[3:44] 3. Que Reste-T-Il De Nos Amours
[2:18] 4. Moulin Rouge
[2:38] 5. Un Homme Et Une Femme
[3:21] 6. Pour Toi
[2:49] 7. La Seine
[3:26] 8. Les Feuilles Mortes
[3:36] 9. Les Parapluies De Cherbourg
[3:18] 10. Ce Je Ne Sais Quoi Sur Mon Paris
[2:42] 11. La Vie En Rose
[3:20] 12. La Mer
[3:24] 13. Et Maintenant

C'est Si Bon was born from Sylvia Bennett s love affair with France and the enchanting songs that, like Paris herself, sparkle with seduction and panache. The protege of jazz legend Lionel Hampton, this Grammy nominated, international recording artist, is an American diva with a French heart. C'est Si Bon is a musical tour de force that magically transports you to a place of romance, rapture, and heady possibility... Veritably, si bon! With such songs as C'est Magnifique, Un Homme et Une Femme, and La Vie En Rose the album weaves a world of enchantment where romance reigns, fancy takes flight, and Paris beckons.

Sylvia Bennett the timeless smooth jazz and pop vocalist sings of love with a warmth, clarity, and spirit that is enveloping and tender, showcasing the depth of her skill, talent and experience. She's sung with Lionel Hampton and she's sung for presidents all with a singular style and intimacy that is hers and hers alone.

She's one part jazz, one part pop, and one part sultry. If you like Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, and Rosemary Clooney, you'll LOVE Sylvia Bennett.

C'est Si Bon

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Sylvia Bennett - Best Love Songs

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2014
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 41:22
Size: 94,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:30)  1. Look of Love
(2:48)  2. Ain't Misbehavin'
(2:43)  3. Fly Me to the Moon
(2:46)  4. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(3:03)  5. Embraceable You
(3:38)  6. The Very Thought of You
(3:44)  7. Shadow of Your Smile
(4:53)  8. My Funny Valentine
(4:36)  9. Night and Day
(4:06) 10. Someone To Watch Over Me
(2:48) 11. You Make Me Feel So Young
(2:43) 12. What a Difference a Day Makes

Sylvia Bennett’s latest release, Best Love Songs, is a compilation of her most requested and downloaded songs. It also happens to be a collection of her favorite songs too. As she states, “This CD is dedicated to everyone who has Love in their hearts.” Best Love Songs includes classics from the American songbook like “Embraceable You,” “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” among many others.  http://www.sylviabennett.com/music_love_songs.html

”Man, the lady can sing! Her magic gets to the ears and the hearts of the audience.” ~ Lionel Hampton

Cole Porter once asked, “What Is This Thing Called Love,” and it’s a question that many of our greatest artists have grappled with ever since” creating some of America’s most enduring and timeless music in the process. Now, it’s Sylvia Bennett’s turn. On her new album, Songs From The Heart featuring the Three Tenors - Boots Randolph, Ed Calle and Kirk Whalum, the smooth jazz and pop vocalist sings of the vicissitudes of love with a warmth, clarity and spirit that is enveloping and tender, showcasing the depth of her skill, talent and experience. The Italian born and American raised Bennett is a singer’s singer, having sung on TV, in community theater, club dates, conventions and even the inaugurations of presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Walking in the footsteps of her idols such as Barbra Streisand, Ella Fitzgerald, Barry Manilow and Bette Midler, Sylvia has opened for artists as diverse as Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Jackie Mason, Dizzy Gillespie, Barry Gibb and David Brenner. Her big break came in the 1980’s, when legendary vibraphonist (and National Arts Award Winner) Lionel Hampton took Sylvia under his wing and made her the first female singer to record with him in thirty years. She recounts, “Lionel validated me as a performer and inspired me to be the best singer I can be. He made me realize that the audience was the most important thing and that all I needed to do was to sing from the heart and be honest.” 

Sylvia worked with Hampton for ten years, touring and recording two albums together. The first, Sentimental Journey, was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1987. The second project, There Will Never Be Another You, was a CD/DVD tribute to “Hamp” from Sylvia, and she furthered the honor to her mentor with the show, “The Lady and the Legend,” premiering in Miami in 2007. Songs From The Heart featuring the Three Tenors emerged in the wake of Sylvia’s tribute to Hampton, when her producer, two-time Grammy nominee and two-time ASCAP Award winner, Hal Batt, suggested that she record timeless love songs and standards, backed by a small band to convey the desired intimacy. Sylvia was enamored of the idea immediately. “I’m a hopeless romantic,” she says unhesitatingly, “I think that love is what life is all about” wanting it, having it, losing it and having it again.” The songs, classics from the great American songbook, were chosen for how they related to the experience of love, making it a concept album, akin in spirit to Frank Sinatra’s great concept albums of the mid-1950’s. The album really took off when Sylvia was joined on the recording by tenor saxophone legends, Boots Randolph, Ed Calle and Kirk Whalum. The tenors enhance the album’s smoky and organic vibe, complementing Sylvia’s silky smooth voice. “It was a thrill to have those incredible players on the album,” enthuses Sylvia. “The only song they played on together was “Since I Fell For You,” and it was pure magic.” Producer Batt declares, “We captured a moment in time that won’t happen again between three of the greatest tenor sax players in the world.” Sylvia’s exquisite taste shines in the selection and performance of the material. 

From “My Funny Valentine,” (”It sums up everything about love to me”) to “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” (”Nothing and no one can take away the time you have with someone”) to “How Long Has This Been Going On,” (”I first sang that song in junior high” but now I really know what that song is about”), Sylvia utilizes her phenomenal ability to get inside these classic songs and have them reveal emotional dimensions previously unfamiliar. Sylvia is eager to perform these songs in her natural environment” in front of a live audience. “I’ll be doing romance themed nights, performing the album as well as the material I did with Lionel Hampton,” she says. It’s clear that she’s immensely proud of Songs From The Heart featuring the Three Tenors and that she knows she touched on something. Sylvia concludes, “We live in such a technological world today that I think we forget about touching people. I think we all need a hug, we need to be embraced” we’re living in a troubled world. There’s nothing better than romance and being with someone who can shelter you from those storms.”  http://musicians.allaboutjazz.com/sylviabennett

Best Love Songs

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Sylvia Bennett - Songs From The Heart

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2008
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:35
Size: 99,8 MB
Art: Front

(3:03)  1. Embraceable You
(2:46)  2. They Can't Take That Away From Me
(4:53)  3. My Funny Valentine
(3:29)  4. Since I Fell For You
(4:06)  5. Someone To Watch Over Me
(2:48)  6. Ain't Misbehavin'
(3:32)  7. Here's That Rainy Day
(3:55)  8. I Still Love You
(4:27)  9. When Sunny Gets Blue
(2:48) 10. You Make Me Feel So Young
(4:21) 11. How Long Has This Been Going On
(3:21) 12. As Time Goes By

The best comment that one could make regarding Sylvia Bennett's Songs From The Heart is that the singer's presentation of a dozen pretty well-worn tunes from The Great American Songbook is pretty good. Her bright and well-enunciated versions of such time-respected fare as Rodgers and Hart's "My Funny Valentine," Gershwin's "Someone to Watch Over Me" and Razaf/Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'" are almost enough to reawaken interest in these veteran love songs. Only on "I Still Love You," a ballad contributed by producer Hal S. Batt, does the album produce a fresh and unknown song. A secondary motif, the presence of what is billed as "The Three Tenors" tenor saxophonists Boots Randolph, Kirk Whalum and Ed Calle feels like a gimmick. None of these musicians are particularly well-regarded as having any connection with playing in support of jazz vocalists and their participation here seems somewhat superfluous. 

Of the three, Randolph is the most traditional, with an obvious ability to 'play pretty for the people.' Long hailed as a honking saxophonist whose popularity during earlier decades surged with his Top 10 hit "Yakety Sax," Randolph recorded, in an unusual pairing, an album with altoist Richie Cole. Here, however, Randolph's style is closest to that of Coleman Hawkins' restrained and melodic sense and is best heard on Gershwin's "Embraceable You," Burke/Van Heusen's "Here's That Rainy Day" and the album closer from Herman Hupfield, "As Time Goes By." Randolph passed away in July, 2007 and never got to hear the finished album. Kirk Whalum, one of the mainstays of smooth jazz, hails from Memphis and has a soulful presence on his many recordings. While he has experience with studio and film work, his métier has been solo albums in the Contemporary Jazz sub-genre or backing other artists in that field. There is certainly nothing inappropriate in his provision of tenor sax solos and fills on such tunes as Gershwin's "They Can't Take That Away From Me" and an up-tempo bounce on Gordon/Myrow's "You Make Me Feel So Young," but his delivery is less personable than that of Randolph. The third tenor sax belongs to Ed Calle, long an exponent of the Miami music scene. 

He has vast experience working with a number of celebrities and first found popularity with the earlier recordings of Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. Calle is given five featured tracks on the album and, although pleasant enough, lacks the jazz feel of Randolph on this date. Songs From The Heart is a well-intentioned album, but one that relies too heavily on safety nets. ~ Michael P.Gladstone  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=29978#.UuKP5LRpQ2w

Personnel: Sylvia Bennett: vocals; Brian Murphy: piano; Chuck Bergeron: bass; Frank Derrick: drums; Hal S.Batt: guitar; Sammy Figueroa: percussion; Boots Randolph: tenor sax (1, 4, 7, 12); Kirk Whalum: tenor sax (2, 4, 5, 10); Ed Calle: tenor sax (3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11).

Songs From The Heart

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