Album Notes

Here is a tasty vintage sounding jazz disk with Becca Duran singing beloved jazz tunes that run the gamut from torch ballads to blues-soaked roadhouse affairs. Becca uses many colors with her voice to illuminate the emotional content of her material. At times her sound is silky and Ella-like with all the enthusiasm of a young girl in springtime. At other times she can go completely to the other side with a cracked vulnerable, breathy voice portraying the world-weariness that comes with repeated heartbreak and disappointment. She brings to mind the emotional impact of singers like Billy Holiday or Abbey Lincoln. However, Becca always sings with her very own special vocal quality which her close knit cadre of admirers have learned to recognize and appreciate over the years. George Mitchell on B-3 Organ serves to enhance the roadhouse feel of these proceedings with his naturally funky feel.

In addition to being a fine accompanist, George is an excellent jazz soloist. You might have seen George touring with the likes of Diana Ross or guitarist Dan Balmer. Jon Wikan, is the drummer of choice for many groups including The New York Voices, as well as jazz vocalist, Mark Murphy. His drumming provides the impetus and cooking feel that characterizes this whole CD. Also, kudos go to Charles Davidson, guitarist extraordinaire and long-time favorite of Becca's. Davidson can play blues or bop equally as well with taste and authenticity. Jay Thomas plays tenor saxophone with an earthy feel reminiscent of Fathead Newman or Houston Person. In addition, he plays a Miles influenced Harmon-muted trumpet on "He Was Too Good to Me." This album has been well-received and reviewed nationally in the March 2002 issue of JazzTimes. Check it out! You'll dig it.