FELICIA CARTER
Feather / Step Lightly
© 2007 Alberta Records (700261228013)
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An ode to the Double LP: Combining influences of jazz, blues, and rock-n-roll, Carter defies songwriting genres on "Feather", while showcasing her finesse with traditional jazz standards and original blues on "Step Lightly".
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With her remarkable twin disc recording, "Feather/Step Lightly", Felicia Carter gives an affectionate nod to the double vinyl LP. The double CD format allows Carter to defy songwriting genres on "Feather", while showcasing her finesse with traditional jazz and blues on "Step Lightly". The album features a dynamic, all-star rhythm section of Carter’s jazz fellows; pianist Bob Butta, bassist Amy Shook, drummer Frank Russo, and guitarist Donato Soviero. Providing additional instrumentation are special guest players on harp, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, as well as Carter’s own layered vocal harmonies for selected tracks. Engineered by Rob Byers, the majority of the recording was completed without instrumental isolation for a cohesive, live feel. The "Feather/Step Lightly" sessions took place in early 2007 at NPR Studios in Washington DC.
The first CD, “Feather”, unfurls Carter’s unique songwriting voice. The album is a multi-faceted journey with a lyrical arc, from the rollicking first track “Hurricane” (Carter’s self-professed theme song), to the worn-down cowgirl sensibility of the last, “Mad Boys” (an ode to the Morning 40 Federation). Combining influences of jazz, blues, rock-n-roll, folk, and classical music, Carter manifests an uncommon musical vision with this album. “Step Lightly”, the second offering in the duo is a long awaited follow-up to her first “straight-ahead” jazz and blues recording, “In the Pink… “(2001). Among Carter’s original blues compositions on “Step Lightly” are brassy fan favorites “Complicated Woman” and “Hooray For You”, while seven of the eleven tracks are well-loved standards from the Great American Songbook. For the title track, Carter offers lyrical counterpoint to Joe Henderson’s big band composition, while the quartet swings a small-group arrangement.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Felicia Carter has earned accolades from audiences, musicians, and critics for her “immaculate pipes” and dramatic song delivery. In the 90’s she was a key figure in Baltimore’s theatre and rock-n-roll scene. Contributing her voice to cabaret acts such as Snackie Hillman’s "The Gong Show" and "Sapatac", as well as bands including The Almighty Senators and They Came From Nowhere, Carter’s first songwriting began with Mark Harp and Guttersnipe. She then led her own punk-pop quartet Pottymouth for which she produced two albums of original music; "Lunch" and "Giddypopjunk".
Carter’s debut jazz recording, "In the Pink...& Songs in Blue" was released in 2001. In 2003, she was composer and lyricist for "Dipteracon", an original musical adaptation of Jean Paul Sartre's "The Flies" which premiered at LaMaMa ETC in Manhattan. The Unified Jazz Ensemble featured Carter on the 2005 live recording, "Live at 49 West". In 2007, she was invited to perform with the Tony Martucci Quartet at the Jazz y Vino Festival in Chile. Recently, she collaborated with bassist/composer Amy Shook, writing music and lyrics for a television documentary on the B&O Railroad, scheduled to air on WETA (DC) in early 2008.
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Feather/Step Lightly
author: tiffany DuffyFelicia...This along with your last CD are my very favorites, you have a very peacefullness about you... I have had the pleasure of seeing you live, and words can't say enough how beautiful you (and your voice) are... Thank you for continuing making CDS for me to enjoy... don't stop, your on a roll baby...: )
Feather / Step Lightly
author: Richard BlackburnFelicia..love your CD and hope to see you live soon. You remind me of Norah Jones...Thanks