JASPER KUMP: Sunday In New York

Jasper Kump

Sunday In New York

© 2005 Jasper Kump/SpikeUp Music (820360113925)

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A warm, powerful voice with heart and soul. An eclectic mix of music with fresh new jazz arrangements. Elliott Forrest of A&E's 'Breakfast with the Arts' praises Jasper's "easygoing manner and lyrical voice". A CD as comfortable as a Sunday in New York.

notes

Jasper Kump has been described by Elliott Forrest of A&E's Breakfast with the Arts as a "fresh new talent...full of fire." With influences from jazz and gospel to folk and theatre, his voice has heart and soul. "Sunday In New York" is his first full-length CD and is filled with a wonderfully eclectic mix of music. It's a celebration of life, love and New York City. While all but one of the tracks are songs originally performed by other artists, Jasper brings a new perspective as he sings these gorgeous new arrangements by Russ Kassoff. The one new song, "You Are All The World To Me", is a warm and touching ballad with lyrics by Deidre Broderick and music by Russ Kassoff.

The band on "Sunday In New York" is nothing short of brilliant! Their bios and credits read like "Who's Who" of popular, jazz and theatre music. Russ Kassoff (Arrangements/Musical Direction/Piano and Keyboards) has worked with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Rita Moreno, Carol Sloane and Sylvia Sims - just to name a few. Martin Wind (Bass) is part of the incredible Bill Mays Trio and has recorded several CDs and worked with jazz greats Pat Metheny, Bucky Pizzarelli and more. Warren Odze (Drums) has worked on numerous Broadway shows as well as well-known artists such as Rod Stewart, Peter Cincotti and Peter Allen. Gerry Niewood (Saxophone/Flute) has worked for decades with Chuck Mangione and has graced the recordings of such stars as Simon and Garfunkel, Ann Hampton Callaway and many others. Jesse Levy (Cello) has performed with such household names as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Luther Vandross and Madonna.

Jasper was born in California and knew early on in life that he was destined for great things. Some are even convinced that Jasper was born singing! When he was five years old, he stole the stage as the Little Drummer Boy. By the age of 11, Jasper decided to utilize his passion for entertaining people and joined the Artist in Residence Program in Germany. He spent much of his adolescence in Europe focusing his studies on spiritual, jazz, and popular music. Along with pursuing his dreams in the classroom, Jasper took every chance he got to perform.

In 1987, Jasper performed for President Ronald Reagan and Mrs. Reagan at Berlin's 750th anniversary
celebration. Shortly thereafter, Jasper returned to the United States and continued to pursue his love for music and theater.

Not only did Jasper take the opportunity to sing in the Vocal Jazz Ensembles at California State University, Long Beach, he also performed in several musicals and concerts including Into the Woods (Jack), Fiddler on the Roof (Tevye), You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown), The Scarlet Letter: A Musical Romance (Chillingworth), Follies (Young Buddy) and Lagunatics.

Jasper not only comes to life on stage, but he is also passionate about composing music. Prior to "Sunday In New York", he recording a five-song EP of original songs entitled "Real", his skills have also led him to commercial success composing music for advertising and corporate use.

Jasper lives in New York City.


What critics have said of Jasper and his work:

"Jasper...sings with fervent passion." - Showmusic Magazine

"Jasper...revels in his role." - Coastline Pilot (LA Times)

reviews

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  • author: Stacey (Batson) Fillmore

    This CD is great. I went to school with Jasper in Berlin Germany and always knew he would go the music route. We were in Choir together in 1986. He has a beautiful voice. Congrates Jasper.

  • author: Helen

    Very pleasant and relaxing. Brought me back to a better time.

  • Fantastic CD!
    author: Scot

    Jasper's CD is truly a remarkable work. He has the ability to make each song his own. I highly recommend this album. You will not be dissapointed.

  • Relaxing favorite
    author: Terri

    This is the perfect CD to listen to on a relaxing afternoon. Jasper has a great voice and you can tell he is doing what he loves. I highly recommend it.

  • Bravo Jasper!!!!
    author: Andy Roach

    This is a terrific CD! I find myself listening to it over and over. Some songs bring a smile to my face and some tears (mostly of joy) to my eyes. All the songs are so beautifully done that it's hard to pick out a highlight track, but I particularly like So in Love, Fields of Gold, and New York State of Mind. In summary, a great voice singing great music.

  • Gorgeous...sterling musicianship, soulful vocal performances...
    author: Jeff

    Jasper Kump and his family moved all over the world when he was growing up. But while he explored exotic cities and tasted strange and beautiful cultures, one place kept calling to him. With its brilliant architecture, art, history and culture, New York City was always on his mind. But it wasn't until Jasper actually moved to the City that he understood the real magic. It's all about the people and the love they share. On his gorgeous debut album, Sunday in New York, Jasper breaks out fifteen flawless tracks that all point in one way or another to the Big Apple. The disc opens with Starting Here Starting Now, an upbeat show tune that swings with plenty of horns and a spotlight on Jasper's smooth tone and enthusiastic vocal presence. Not afraid to march to the beat of his own drum, Jasper rolls into a delightful bossa nova version of Kermit the Frog's classic, Rainbow Connection. Light and breezy, this song (and the rest of the disc) shine with the effortless moves of the musicians. Top talent includes arranger/ music director/keyboardist Russ Kassoff, bassist Martin Wind, drummer/ percussionist Warren Odze, flutist/ saxophonist Gerry Niewood and cellist Jesse Levy. While other Broadway hits like Only in New York and the title track nod back to the standards, Jasper also moves into the realm of popular music with a few choice cuts. When the singer covers New York State of Mind with a sensual jazzy edge, Billy Joel would certainly be proud. Likewise, James Taylor's Shower the People and Sting's Fields of Gold both reinvent the originals with sophisticated arrangements and stellar performances all around. Still, it's not until Jasper takes on the Beatles classic, Let It Be, that listeners really get the picture. The tune fuses the singer's optimistic performance with gospel reverence and a toe-tapping rhythm that makes this one of hottest tracks on the disc. On his debut recording, Sunday in New York, Jasper Kump brings sterling musicianship, soulful vocal performances and crystal clear production to more than a dozen fantastic tunes. Whether you're in Manhattan or way out on the west coast, this delightful disc is sure to bring you close to the spirit of New York City.

  • A voice that's smooth and sure to soothe, but with lots of energy too.
    author: Rob Lester

    Just what the doctor ordered for tired ears, Jasper Kump has a voice that's smooth and sure to soothe, but with lots of energy, too. In an eclectic program of show tunes, pop, jazz and more, he sounds comfortable in each suit of musical clothes. In fact, he almost reeks of sincerity in a disarming way. Newly and happily relocated in New York City, the Californian salutes the big town with the lively, jazzy title song and two others (Billy Joel's New York State Of Mind and Only In New York, from Thoroughly Modern Millie). With rose-colored glasses firmly in place, young Mr. Kump's optimism permeates the proceedings. If this makes him miss the regret in Stevie Wonder's All In Love Is Fair or come across as even more naive and untouched by the cruel world than Kermit The Frog when crooning the amphibian's Rainbow Connection, let it be ... which reminds me, he also sings Let It Be. A thoughtfully phrased, slowed-down take on James Taylor's Shower the People is quite successful, bringing out the message of the lyric persuasively. Joyful Jasper's singing is helped and enhanced by top-drawer musicians and arrangements. One cannot underestimate the contributions of music director/pianist/arranger Russ Kassoff, who contributed the one original melody. Tasteful work by the other experienced hands adds class in major amounts; Jesse Levy's cello on Fields Of Gold by Sting is exquisite. Musical theatre fans will be pleased to find When I First Saw You from Dreamgirls and a few show tune standards. The pretty-voiced singer is not afraid to also be lively and bigger-voiced on some; he's had theatre experience and was on the studio cast album of The Scarlet Letter.

  • A velvet voice...not unlike Mel Torme.
    author: Dr. George Campbell

    This winning CD is interestingly and thoughtfully performed by a most gifted artist. The program of mixed jazz, blues and contemporary music resists the urge to compromise its purpose, which is to charge into the hearts of listeners and entertain, relate stories and sing songs from the choir loft to the Broadway stage. Jasper Kump has a velvet voice, which brings a familiar quality of smooth words and superb pitch to each number. Not unlike Mel Torme, the intonation seems on target and the range performed with accomplished ease, provide easy listening. The mix of selections seem inspired for a first CD, ranging from Rogers and Hart to Sting, the Beatles, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder. The New York tunes brought us up to date with The Big Apple. It's easy to listen to this new, young artist and the instrumentation was well balanced, providing a CD that is warm, fun and musically exciting. With this recording under his belt, we're anxious to hear his next one!

  • fresh, new, inspiring, upcoming
    author: Salli :)

    Jasper is THE fresh new voice with such clean tones...Watch him--his vocal talents are amazing...he's doing things already that others have had to wait to do!

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