Rebecca Parris has amassed seven albums with 9 awards from the Boston Music Awards. She has been presented in major venues and festivals across the United States and abroad, including main stages at Monterey, Oslo, North Sea, Japan, Spain, and London.
In addition to touring for the past decade as a solo artist, she has performed and shared the stage with an impressive list of jazz greats including Dizzy Gillespie, The Count Basie, Woody Herman, Gunther Schuller Orchestras, Buddy Rich, Joe Williams, Shirley Horn and others.
Following are Rebecca's personal liner notes from her newest CD, "The Secret of Christmas." :
The Secret of Christmas has always been in the giving. As children, we learn how very nice it is to receive and I think, unfortunately, that feeling grows up to be avarice a lot of the time. However it seems every now and then, a splendid reminder of how generous the humans can be to one another, comes along, and the receiver of their generosity is humbled, indeed.
I must say that when Gene Arnould the Director of the Marblehead Jazz Series approached me with the idea that the association would like to do a Holiday project with me I was both overwhelmed and excited.
I have been performing for MJS for 18 plus years now. This audience has become my absolute favorite. It is filled year after year with respectful, enthusiastic and appreciative listeners. We experience a love fest for the music, and for each other every summer and winter. I leave each concert saying that, “God waved a magic wand over us all tonight,” and it is magical. There aren't enough superlatives to describe my experiences at the Mugford Street Unitarian Church, and Gene, I hope it goes on forever!
I think every performer would like to do his or her own holiday recording and I am no different. This is a collection of fond memories and fun ideas, some familiar, some a little fresh.
We wanted to include most of the talented friends who in previous years have joined me in concert at Marblehead. So, when the project began to take shape, I called all the favorites and invited them to take part. They happily agreed and then the rest of us kind of sat back and watched some serious pros create some serious (and seriously fun) magic in the studio.
First I called Brad Hatfield, my regular accompanist, and Musical Director. He writes and plays for a lot of singers, television and film. He is everyone's first call, be it with the Boston Pops or anyone else. He is an incredibly intelligent, tasteful artist and a dynamic player; without a doubt, the most organized musician I've ever known and my friend. Where Brad is involved, worry does not live. It's as simple as that. His arrangements here are spectacular. His wife, Gaye Tolan also lends her magic touch to the arranging chair. Together they are an unstoppable team.
John Lockwood is my first call when “Pete the K” (Peter Kontrimas) is unavailable. He is also, not just in my opinion, a giant on bass, a genius, sweet, funny, solid as a rock, with endless capabilities for first takes.
Matt Gordy has been my percussionist for almost 10 years now. Ever steadfast, assertive, an impeccable player, a master at his craft, he is also a terrific pianist and one of the loves of my life. I trust him implicitly and wouldn't trade him for the world.
George Mesterhazy and I met in Los Angeles about 10 years ago and fell into musical love. He is a magical accompanist and never fails to thrill me and everyone who has a chance to play with him or listen to him. He is crazy, soulful, gifted and totally precious.
Herb Pomeroy, who for years has delighted auditory nerves worldwide, honors me with his presence. He is always a wonderful spirit on bandstand or anywhere. I am proud to be associated with such a renowned musician and teacher.
Fred Haas and I have been friends for a number of years now. He is the founder of “Interplay Jazz Camp,” a holistic week of jazz studies, yoga, tai chi, spiritual and musical growth. I am honored to teach with him there each year. Fred is an exceptional player with a rich, confident, elastic sound that is always a joy to sing with.
Michael Monaghan is a veritable legend in the Boston area. He has an exquisite knack for playing the perfect thing but what can't Michael do? He plays sax, clarinet, flute, bass, drums, piano, sings like a bird and doesn't have an apparent ego about it. We've played music together for 20 years or more and he has never had less than a perfect musical moment. If I didn't love him so much, I'd hate him. Seriously, I only wish we could work together more often.
Paul Broadnax, the voice, ageless, sexy, sweet, humble, extraordinary, there when you need him, generous to a fault, a superb pianist singer, thanks so much for being here with us. Our duets are always the highlight when we perform together and now we have one recorded. Hooray!
Last, but far from least is Peter Kontrimas. Not only is he engineer here, but bassist extraordinaire. My sweet, overworked, gentle, brilliant Peter! 20 years and counting, Petie! Peter is the one who before, during and after all the music is played does most of the work. He is the one who gently tweaks this and compresses that and generally makes us all sound great. He is a huge piece of my support team.
These are the pieces of the musical puzzle. How rich am I to be able to have an idea, state it to these wonderful souls and presto! Have it all realized. Thank God for them and all in my life. I am truly blessed.
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