Album Notes

Carole Martin's 2004 release "Pieces of Dreams" was described as "the finest jazz-vocal CD from the Twin Cities in many a moon" in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. That was her first recording since 1968, but Carole's fans and admirers don't need to wait decades for the follow up - her new CD "Songs From My Heart" has arrived. With titles like "Time for Love," "I Concentrate On You," "Little Girl Blue" and "Canadian Sunset," Carole's pure, emotional, alto vocals do indeed come straight from her heart. Buoyed by the warm reception of her last release, as well as packed houses and standing ovations from the visibly moved crowds at her "comeback" shows, Carole moves ever deeper into the American songbook - and her craft - on the new release. Carole is an elegant stage pro and a gripping torch singer, imbued with savvy, entirely without affectation. New York City pianist Rick Germanson (noted for work with Elvin Jones, Pat Martino and many others), bassist Terry Burns and drummer Kenny Horst join Carole on the CD.

Working as a six-night-a-week singer from the 1950s through the 1970s, Carole raised a family with her voice at venues like the Point Supper Club and the Mar Key Club (where she recorded live albums), the Artists' Quarter in St. Paul and many others. Carole stopped making a career of singing in the early 1980's, favoring the occasional show and a quieter life. All agree that with her return to recording last year and more frequent live appearances, time has only deepened and matured her voice, and life's experiences have added an extra layer of simpatico emotion to her impeccably tasteful musical selections. Her new release, "Songs From My Heart," is sure to swell a fan base that crosses generations. Visit www.mnjazz.com.