Album Notes

In order to record a live album you not only have to be brave, you must also have the talent to back it up or the results can be disappointing. Since modern technology makes mobile recording affordable, most artists record some of their live performances. Some even record all of their performances even though the public seldom gets access to them. This is because a true live recording often reveals flaws in the artistic ability of the performer. For an artist to make her first recording available to the public a live recording is definitely a rarity. Vocalist Linda Lee Michelet has taken this brave step with her outstanding debut recording “Linda Lee Michelet Live" recorded at the Heathman Hotel.

Ms. Michelet sings in the tradition of the great female jazz vocalists of the 50’s and 60’s. While her admiration for the music and vocal styling of Peggy Lee is in evidence on many cuts, her performances clearly reflect her own unique flair. As you listen you are swept into the era of the great supper clubs. You can imagine the room filled with people dressed in evening clothes, diamonds and fur. Sinatra, Martin and Davis are probably sitting at a table with a good view of the stage but away from the center of attention. The audience is mesmerized by the talent of the vocalist and outstanding combo. You are intrigued with her presentation: a beautiful gown, long velvet gloves and dazzling jewelry. Her sophistication and glamour sets her apart from the typical cabaret singer.

This live recording sounds like an artist that is at the top of her career with numerous studio recordings to her credit. But no, this is a debut recording. It comes out at a time when we are once again longing for performances that bring out the true feelings of a classic song while touching an emotional nerve in our soul. That is something the great performers of the past were always able to do. Their selections of songs and their renditions satisfied this longing and made us want to listen to their recordings over and over. Those recordings were able to change or enhance our emotional state; take us to another place and time; and make us either laugh or cry. That is what you will experience when you listen to this debut release from Linda Lee Michelet.
-- Terry Currier, Music Millennium

"In today's world of modern technology, just about anything is possible. Yet, on this recording there are no tricks, no fixes, no "overdubs", no pitch tuning - what you hear is what you would have heard had you been there on the nights we recorded at the Heathman Hotel. Congratulations to Linda and the fine group of musicians she assembled for these recordings. The proof is in the grooves".
-- Ron Rogers, Producer.

Linda Lee Michelet's CD Gathers Rave Reviews

"Linda Lee Michelet Live: a quantum leap forward for a modern jazz diva"
— K. T., Postively Entertainment - March, 2006

"... Having written and or produced for some great Portland singers and musicians — including Michael Allen Harrison, Curtis Salgado, Shirley Nanette, Julie Ann Johnson, and Ellen Whyte — I think you are in the same league.

I am a very picky person when it comes to vocalists, especially women — but my sista' as they say in the hood "Girl you can sang" (and I do mean SANG) ... Just keep believing in your dreams — sometimes they really do come true."

— Calvin Walker,
Director of Development, KMHD 89.1 Jazz Radio