Album Notes

Accompanied by some of New Zealand’s hottest jazz musicians, April’s sweet yet sultry vocals feature on this intimate recording of popular love songs. Sincerely and lovingly performed, these songs evoke romance and tenderness.

“This album was created for the purpose of raising funds for the Make A Wish Foundation which grants the wishes of children living with a life-threatening illness. If you purchase an album, then you’re helping a child to make a dream come true and that’s a wonderful thing. Thank you so much.”

Review:
Dominion Post Friday 1 April 2005

All proceeds from April are being donated to the Make A Wish foundation (“granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy”, as it is explained in the liner notes). And certainly that is to be admired. And it is reason enough, I believe, to support this artistic endeavour. But, April is also a lovely album, because April Phillips can really sing. And her voice is put to perfect use across a mix of jazz and pop standards, from Old Devil Moon and It Had To Be You to Someone to Watch Over Me and The Man I Love. Backed by the best local jazz musicians (Norman Meehan, piano/keyboards; Johnny Lippiett, saxophone; Lance Philip, drums) April’s voice dominates the rich layered tunes. And Norman Meehan’s sympathetic, gentle arrangements perfectly account for this. Fans of vocal jazz will be impressed with this local talent – and what a novel way to support a wonderful cause. If you can’t find it in shops it’s available through her website: www.aprilphillips.com

Simon Sweetman

Woollaston Nelson Jazz Festival 2008 reviewer: "April Phillips has a voice of honey."