Album Notes

THE SONG IS YOU is a collection of classic jazz and pop standards updated with the fresh, original interpretations of popular San Antonio jazz crooner Ken Slavin and the sparkling arrangements of young jazz pianist/musical director Andrew Langham.

“San Antonio based vocalist Ken Slavin is one of the most popular singers in that Texas town, and the hardest working. (He) has paid his dues in the home of the Alamo, having played everywhere from local meet markets to the ritziest lounges in the city…’The Song is You’ is a sincere effort…Slavin has an expressive timbre…and a knack for choosing good songs…” -- JAZZREVIEW.COM

“Slavin is a jazz crooner, a saloon singer, an interpeter of pop songs from an era when pop didn't mean pierced navels and a different costume for every song...(H)e brings to bear passion and commitment and makes the songs come alive. Ken Slavin has only been singing for about a decade, but (he) has done his homework while working hard to improve his art and his craft.”--JIM BEAL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

“We must surely tip our hats to Ken Slavin ..... this album is really fabulous.” -- JIMMY SMITH, THIS WEEK IN TEXAS

ABOUT KEN SLAVIN
Some folks compare his sound to a young Tony Bennett, Johnny Hartman or Nat "King" Cole. One reviewer dubbed him “Mr. Tuxedo Voice.” Texas Monthly says he’s one of the “Swing Set.” In reality, his voice, persona and performance style put him in a category all his own. But no matter how you describe him, there isn’t anybody on today’s music scene quite like jazz crooner KEN SLAVIN.

The San Antonio-based singer deftly mixes classic jazz, pop and cabaret styles, utilizing a naturally smooth and slightly husky baritone, crisp enunciation and good musical taste to create an intimate and engaging listening experience.

Ken has been voted BEST VOCALIST and BEST MUSICIAN by readers of The San Antonio Current. He also has been named “Best Lounge/Jazz Act” and nominated numerous times as “Best Male Vocalist” by the same publication. He currently appears regularly at at III Forks in the heart of Austin's 2nd Street District and is in strong demand for gigs throughout Texas.

His classy and fresh approach to the Great American Songbook has earned Ken the honor of opening for such jazz legends as Eddie Palmieri, The Four Freshmen, David Sanborn and Chico Hamilton, as well as the legendary '50s pop group The Platters. He also has given guest performances with the internationally acclaimed Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and has performed at private parties for Grammy winners Helen Reddy and Vikki Carr.

Jim Beal Jr., arts writer for the San Antonio Express-News, writes, “When it comes to crooning in the classic jazz/pop saloon style, Ken Slavin has no peers.” In strong demand for public and private gigs throughout the state, Ken has starred in many self-produced concerts, appeared on numerous TV and radio programs, and is a favorite entertainer for galas and fundraising events. A testament to his popularity was a recent mid-summer’s night “Concert Under the Stars” at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. More than 1,400 people braved triple-digit heat to sit on blankets and folding chairs to hear Ken and his band perform, breaking the attendance record for the event.

Ken newest recording, "I'll Take Romance," was released in summer 2007 and is also available here on CD Baby. Co-produced by Barry Brake of The Jazz Protagonists, the CD features 16 top-notch jazz and pop standards and the talents of Grammy Award-winning percussionist Henry Brun and violinists from the San Antonio Symphony, among other stellar musicians. The album is receiving national and international radio play and recently was the focus of a special jazz vocalist program in Pisa, Italy.