Album Notes

SIORA takes you on a journey of the soul, touching down in Rio, Paris, Mazer-e-Sharif and points beyond. Singing in 7 languages, the voice of Phyllis Chapell soars above the keyboard artistry of composer Dan Kleiman. Chapell's rich contralto tone, free flowing interpretations, and captivating wordless melodies define her distinct appeal. Afro-Brazilian and Middle Eastern rhythms underscore an array of wind instruments adding exotic flavor to this international odyssey.

Their 2004 top 50 jazz release "Vis-a-Vis" is a collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Paul Wickliffe. This CD is a multi-cultural journey in 7 languages, including 3 provocative original selections in English. Guest artists include Howard Levy (Bela Fleck) on harmonica, John Swana (Criss Cross) on trumpet, and Ralph Bowen (Criss Cross) on sax and flute.

Composer/pianist Dan Kleiman has performed/recorded with Grammy-winning saxophonist Ernie Watts, Mike Stern, Benny Golson, Charles Fambrough and Clyde Stubblefield. Rounding out the group are bassist Steve Beskrone (Pat Martino, Horace Silver, Ray Charles); drummers Ted Thomas (Gerald Veasley, Emeril Live) and Jimmy Coleman (Amos Lee); and percussionist Raphael Cruz (Brecker Bros., Chaka Khan, Paquito D'Rivera).

"Creating a soundscape that needs no translation,
multicultural and multilingual SIORA takes hold of songs from around the world: from Latin America to Europe to the Middle East and beyond and transforms them using the universal language of jazz."
Straight No Chaser, UK (William Page)

"Chapell proves herself an exuberant and uninhibited vocalist
..with all the styles and languages involved, Dan Kleiman's arrangements and keyboard playing hold the sound together, giving it a straight-through cohesion."
AllAboutJazz.com (Dan McClenaghan)

"Ms. Chapell's calling card is her facility with songs in their native languages, but her trump is a voice that is filled with smokey nuance and emotion."
Lake George Chronicle (Cathy DeDe)