Album Notes

Beverly Ritz, melodic jazz pianist/composer-lyricist/vocalist, is "the voice for animals & nature." Her first CD, TANGO, WHERE DID THE TIME GO?, encompasses story songs about cats and dogs and a baby seal she fostered, as well as movie theme-like melodies dedicated to the protection of wilderness areas and rivers. And another area of Ritz's talent is revealed here with a most moving piano arrangement of "Rock of Ages."

Beverly's Latin jazz melodies and ballads are reminiscent of Marian McPartland's mellow side, yet her blues compositions have obviously been influenced by the work of both Henry Mancini and Horace Silver. In pieces such as "Nothing But You" and "Good-bye" there is a strong resemblance to the bossa novas of Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Listeners have described Ritz's music as dreamy and soothing, or romantic and impressionistic. Jazz dj Jon Bisom labels "Discovery Park" as "absolutely gorgeous." Living on a ranch near the border between Oregon and California, surrounded by Redwood trees yet near the Pacific Ocean, this is where Beverly does most of her work: creating, recording, and teaching music. And this is where she cares for a myriad of animals that have needed her help, including cats, dogs, birds, and countless frogs...In fact, in a review of this album on www.Indie-Music.com, Heidi Drockleman swears she hears the chirping of frogs. And she says it is great music for relaxing on the front porch while petting your dog or cat.

Beverly's second CD, BY ROWDY CREEK (Goldie Mae Records, 2006), shows a new side of this multi-faceted composer, as she plays her 6'7" grand piano with an uninhibited muscularity never heard before. The 2006 disc, which celebrates the beauty of the "Wild Rivers Coast," received a rave review by www.Indie-Music.com in fall of 2007. And later that year, Indie-Music.com selected this album as one of THE TOP 25 CDs of 2007!

Ritz's vast product line includes the 2 CDs, 5 albums on cassette, 16 pieces of sheet music, 2 children's sing-along books, and her own line of clothing--BUDDYWEAR--with amusing photos of Buddy, "The (talking, walking) Cat in The Forest."

Beverly Ritz is available for solo or group performances in concert halls, performing arts centers, jazz venues, and educational facilities. Please call GOLDIE MAE RECORDS to book her: (707) 218-6190.