Album Notes

People have stories to tell. Especially New Yorkers. Song for my Mother tells the story of Julie Bluestone.

You'll get the picture. Manhattan girl. Born to play music. Classically trained. Jazz degrees. Street smart. Received a passion for music and no-one-can-stop-me determination as gifts from her mom, Sondra. And family and friends who guided her. But listen and you'll know all that in a New York minute.

Not too long ago, we readily thought of boats, airplanes and hurricanes as women; jazz leaders were pretty much guys, except maybe if they were singers. Throughout Song for my Mother, Julie delightfully convinces us that times have changed. But man or woman, the play's the thing, and this music delivers. Julie's got it all goin' on. Leading her quartet and little big band. Cooking up a storm on alto saxophone and flute. Writing. Arranging. Jazz. Latin Jazz. Be-bop Jazz. Smooth Jazz. Bluesy Jazz. And major league players who've blown with everyone from Clark Terry to Michael Feinstein to Tito Puente. Dig that! No wonder this music's got a sound all it's own.

Song for my Mother invites you in and embraces you. It is adorned with loving nods to Julie's inspirations both famous and personal. But its heart is distinctly Julie and she will make you smile.

- Marty Sonnenfeld
Community Communications