Album Notes

Lalo Schifrin (legendary arranger, film composer, jazz pianist)comments,"Liz Kinnon is an extremely talented composer and performer. Ms. Behavin'is an excellent CD with contributions by some of the best musicians around. She has written great arrangements and everyone should enjoy the final results."

On her new CD, Ms. Behavin', Kinnon's stellar arrangements are rich in catchy melodies, gorgeous harmonies, and rhythmic grooves. Kinnon's roots in Be-Bop and her experience in Latin and Brazilian styles meld into a collection of original compositions and a fresh look at standards "Smile" and "Love For Sale". This CD is mainly acoustic with tasteful keyboard additions for texture. Along with Kinnon, Octavio Bailly (bass) and Enzo Todesco (drums) provide a rock-solid foundation, from funky sambas to lyrical, romantic bossa novas.

The title track, Ms. Behavin', is a clever, samba-bop answer to Fats Waller's "Ain't Misbehavin'". Featured on flugelhorn is Stacy Rowles, whose musical influence from her famed jazz pianist father Jimmy Rowles influenced her to swing hard while plenty of Brazilian percussion dares anyone to sit still!

A Little Spice is a quick samba which features Brazilian bassist extraordinaire Octavio Bailly and a spirited conversation between Kinnon (keyboards) and Dick Mitchell (tenor saxophone).

Fazendo Acreditar (Make Me Believe) is a romantic bossa nova in the flavor of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Brazilian musician Kleber Jorge (vocal/acoustic guitar) is featured, along with a piano solo and an choir of alto flutes, in this elegant arrangement.

Vertigo features the superb flute playing of Dick Mitchell, as well as a trumpet solo by the versatile Nolan Shaheed. This piece is evocative of the sophisticated Latin jazz stylings of Clare Fischer's "Salsa Picante".

Smile is a brilliant arrangement of the well-loved standard by Charles Chaplin. The Brazilian samba treatment builds . . . and builds . . . and builds . . . through a "dueling cuicas" percussion solo to a rousing vocal chorus and tenor saxophone solo at the end!

Journey is a lyrical piano feature that travels from a groovin' samba rhythm to funky interludes. The warm, driving tenor saxophone of Dick Mitchell, Kinnon's piano solo, and a drum solo by Enzo Todesco bring the track full circle.

Sono E Bentu is a piece that Liz wrote while playing on the island of Sardinia, located off the coast of Italy. In the local dialect of Sardinian, "Sono E Bentu" means "sound of wind". When one hears this track, it is apparent why she chose this appropriate title. The low, airy flute-like melody, along with a beautiful vocalese by Vicki McClure blend beautifully with the rhythmic baiao groove from northeastern Brazil.

Sweetlight is a simple, mellow bossa nova melody played by Mitchell's warm alto flute. The word "sweetlight" is a photographer's term for the time of the evening when the light is the warmest and most beautiful.

Love For Sale features the funky bass playing of Octavio Bailly, as well as solos by Kinnon and acoustic guitarist Dana Rasch. This fresh arrangement takes Cole Porter's standard to a whole new place!

Caffè Latte is a tribute to one of Kinnon's favorite beverages. The groove always moves forward and soloists Rasch (electric guitar) and Mitchell (soprano sax) find plenty of room for "stepping a little outside". This track has always been an audience favorite.

Lastly, Para Os Meus Filhos (For My Children) is a short, gorgeous solo piano piece written and played by Liz, dedicated to her two sons. It leaves the heart warm and soul fulfilled.

Ms. Behavin' is a CD not to be missed.