Album Notes

Singer Pippa Hayes debuts "It Had To Be You" on Seyah Records

"Hayes has succeeded in reinvigorating oft-covered material with her own electric personality and sultry charm ... there is poetry in the graceful, bittersweet way she delivers each line" - Robert M Sutton, AllAboutJazz

There's not a single wasted note on Pippa's stunning debut album; superb arrangements from George Golla, blending perfectly with Pippa's ability to get behind a lyric and wring out every ounce of emotion.

If you like romantic jazz, this one's for you ...

The album has a fantastic earthy "Harlem-meets-Shearing" type feel with a superb mix of standard tunes, authentic bossa
nova and haunting ballads as you have never heard them before.

An elegantly understated rhythm section featuring: Craig Scott, bass, Mike Hayes, guitar, Alan Turnbull and Dave Goodman on drums, Jess Ciampa, percussion, and Tim Fisher on piano set the mood with their confident, deep swinging ease and masterful interplay.

There are so many enjoyable moments on this recording.

World renowned trumpet legend, Bob Barnard is playing with more fire, more spirit, than ever before; his solo work on "Lullaby of Birdland", "Ain't Misbehavin" and "Our Day Will Come" are as good as jazz gets!

And how nice to have "Oh Lady Be Good" recorded again - a refreshing, relaxed, bluesy treatment featuring a clarinet tour
de force from Trevor Rippingale.

"Nearness Of You", the Hoagy Carmichael tune from 1940 proves to be the ideal setting for the magnificent solo lines of tenor sax maestro Ron Nairn.

One of the smoothest drummers in jazz is featured on "It Had To Be You"; "Oh Lady Be Good" and "Tea For Two" Alan Turnbull's brushwork is exquisite and timely.

John Harkins, (piano) is a deep "tune-cat", his musical ideas are wonderful on the title track "It Had To Be You" and "Tea For Two" both tunes long time favorites of sharp jazzmen.

Antonio Carlos Jobim's timeless classic from 1962, "Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars" receives a warm, romantic treatment with Pippa's distinctive smooth, silky vocals over a lush background of trombones and featuring a beautiful flute solo by Trevor Rippingale, perfect for a slow dance under the stars.

A gorgeous trombone section comprising of Anthony Kable, Jeremy Borthwick, Dan Barnett and Roy Ferin accompanies the singer on several tracks.

It's clear this album is a collaboration; for these musicians it's all about the music ...., the story, melody and swing ...

If you like warm, melodic, romantic jazz, if you're a person who appreciates talent, taste and intelligence ... pour yourself a glass of wine, dim the lights and curl up on the sofa; you are in for a rare treat. enjoy!

For more information about Pippa Hayes visit: www.pippahayesmusic.com