Teraesa Vinson - Opportunity Please Knock

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 2004
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 51:20
Size: 82,7 MB
Art: Front

(6:02)  1. What A Difference A Day Made
(2:49)  2. The Night Has A Thousand Eyes
(4:37)  3. Moon Ray
(7:07)  4. I Can't Make You Love Me
(5:16)  5. While We're Young
(3:49)  6. I've Got The World On A String
(3:55)  7. The Song Is You
(5:19)  8. Young and Foolish
(4:59)  9. A Beautiful Friendship
(3:11) 10. The Way You Look Tonight
(4:11) 11. Opportunity Please Knock

Vocalist Teraesa Vinson's debut album, Opportunity Please Knock , opens with a deceivingly innocent interpretation of "What A Difference a Day Made." She begins with an uncomplicated duet with bassist Nicki Parrot, which develops into a refined quartet. The track blossoms into a raucous swing that proves Vinson and her group mean business. Theraesa Vinson's sass and personality radiate throughout this album, yet never in excess. Vinson possesses a keen ear in respect to harmonic choices when she strays from the written melody. Her natural rhythmic drive is clearly evident throughout this disc. The intuitive nature of the musical rapport between Vinson and drummer Dion Parson is undeniable with a perfectly placed hit during a climactic chorus of "What a Difference a Day Made." One of several highlights on the album is Vinson's recording of Bonnie Raitt's pop hit "I Can't Make You Love Me." 

This selection shows Vinson's versatility and willingness to "sing outside the box" that is often associated with jazz. Ron Blake's ardent tenor playing on this track strikes a bright contrast to the previous introspective mood. His solo is heartfelt and true testament to what a seasoned jazz musician can create with any song regardless of genre. Vinson's maturity is further demonstrated by her ease in handling the tempo of "The Song is You." Despite the breakneck speed and dazzling riffs by her band, Vinson remains restrained, not rushing to spit out the words or ever overwhelming the listener. Throughout this album, newcomer Teraesa Vinson gracefully finds a natural balance of song, improvisation, and musicians, creating an exceptional album debut.

~ Jeff Hedberg  http://www.allaboutjazz.com/opportunity-please-knock-teraesa-vinson-amplified-records-review-by-jeff-hedberg.php#.U5tyASioqdk
 

Personnel: Teraesa Vinson, Vocals; Ron Blake, Saxophone; Tom Dempsey, Guitar; Carlton Holmes, Piano; Dion Parson, Drums; Nicki Parrott, Bass

Opportunity Please Knock

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Teraesa Vinson & Tom Dempsey - Next To You

Styles: Vocal And Guitar Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:57
Size: 103,4 MB
Art: Front

(3:27)  1. Nobody Else But Me
(3:17)  2. Next To You
(4:01)  3. Opportunity Please Knock
(4:03)  4. Foolish Heart
(4:53)  5. Triste
(4:49)  6. You Taught My Heart To Sing
(3:58)  7. My How The Time Goes By
(2:18)  8. I Remember You
(3:37)  9. Ribbon In The Sky
(4:49) 10. Just Squeeze Me
(2:55) 11. Old Devil Moon
(2:44) 12. Bein' Green

Teraesa Vinson sings her program from the heart with a genuine air. She convinces. As an experienced storyteller, she puts you right in the lap of each experience. "Being Green, for example, carries a wider meaning than what you hear on the surface. In Vinson's care, its lyrics stretch out to cover it all. The same is true for her sensual ballads and up-tempo swingers.  Working in a duo format with guitarist Tom Dempsey for this, her second recording, the singer has opted for a cross-section of material, from Ellington and Jobim to Stevie Wonder and Oscar Brown, Jr. Her program and her musical format are designed for intimacy. She delivers the message clearly while Dempsey provides exemplary accompaniment. Together, they establish a comfortable blues aura that surrounds their performance with class.Vinson remains comfortable with all kinds of songs.

"Ribbon in the Sky introduces built-up emotions, while "Just Squeeze Me saunters idly through swing. McCoy Tyner's "You Taught My Heart to Sing brings tears to the eye, while Dempsey's "Next to You settles in comfortably with cool passion. Vinson has mastered each mood accurately and musically. She and Dempsey keep most their session mellow and laid back. The comfort allows them to deliver meaning naturally. Old Devil Moon stands out with an emotional surge as the session's high point. Here, singer and guitarist turn it up a notch through tension and release. Their balance points them in the direction of cohesive success as the two intertwine naturally. Vinson and Dempsey share a deep love for the music that comes reflected in each interpretation.     ~ Jim Santella   http://www.allaboutjazz.com/next-to-you-teraesa-vinson-self-produced-review-by-jim-santella.php#.U5FAtyioqdk
 

Personnel: Teraesa Vinson: vocals; Tom Dempsey: guitar.

Next To You

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