Shannon Gaye
Pretty Pictures
© 2004 Moodadji Music (774626012531)
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A compelling exploration of Acoustic Soul and Acid Jazz featuring stellar vocals,sophisticated harmony and intelligent lyrics over slammin' grooves.
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Moodadji Music is delighted to announce the release of Shannon Gaye’s evocative new CD Pretty Pictures, a compelling and contemporary exploration of Acoustic Soul and Acid Jazz.
This Canadian recording artist’s tales are as layered and textured as the music she writes; the combination of energy and introspection gives as much dynamic range to Shannon’s live performance as captured on record. On stage with her exceptional three-piece band, Shannon packs a powerful punch, incorporating nine years as an accomplished percussionist with her commanding vocal presence. Music writer James Muretich describes her as “the slender singer with the big soulful voice â€" the kind that knocks you for a loop.”
Pretty Pictures provides plenty of opportunities for Shannon to shine as a singer, writer and producer, from the cool scat vocal line doubled by a Rhodes in “Willing & Able”, to the infectious rapid-fire chorus in “Stone”. Songs like “Get Used to It” and “Flower” reveal the southern roots of soul. “Away”, with its moody vibe, brings Erykah Badu to mind; the phonetic African-style vocal hook delivers the message like some kind of S.O.S. The title track “Pretty Pictures” features a decidedly urban aesthetic, while “Sink or Swim” and “Think Twice” with their sophisticated harmony typify acid jazz.
Shannon’s main collaborator and co-producer for Pretty Pictures is Kristian Alexandrov, a truly gifted pianist & drummer from Bulgaria. They share an intense musical bond - true passion for rhythm, a strong melodic sense and a fiery approach to improvisation. Their undeniable connection is recognized and applauded by audiences and musicians who consistently stop by to check out their blistering grooves and creative energy live.
Following the recent release of Pretty Pictures, Shannon has had a jam-packed schedule featuring a number of jazz festival dates, showcases and special events. Recent performance highlights include opening for David Sanborn, Colin James and Future Man (Bella Fleck). In April 2005, Shannon ventured on a promotional tour of London (U.K.) and Sofia (Bulgaria) â€" complete with interviews on Jazz FM and Free Radio Europe. As a result of this promo tour, Shannon has been invited to perform at the Sofia Jazz Peak Festival 2006. This past December, Shannon performed in the Singing for Supper Concert Series, a 22-city cross-Canada tour.
With her feet firmly planted on new solid ground, Shannon’s poised and focused, working hard to be sure Pretty Pictures is seen and heard.
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So deserving of PRAISE! Enchanting!
author: Cassandra FicaSo deserving of PRAISE! Witty, energetic poetry and such a smooth, soulful voice – irresistible! Enchanting!
Great CD... Love the track "Willing & Able"!
author: Dave W - The Winddown Zone (Starpoint Radio)Love the track "Willing & Able" - very nice! I'll be playing that track to death. Love the jazz bit at the end..5.25 minutes and still not long enough!!
A must have for anyone who loves excellent music
author: MurphyFinally a CD I want to listen to over and over again. Combining that kind of pure musicianship with that kind of story telling WOW !!! What a voice !!! Fantastic
A new fan!
author: Michael C.I've listened to the new CD "Pretty Pictures" lots of times ....really great!!
Great CD!! The songs are really top notch.
author: Alec HarrisonI can't really compare you to another singer/songwriter other than to say you melded a vibrant energy with a soulful sensibility. Your energy and spirit really drew me into the music - I haven't heard of many female singer/songwriters who also play percussion. Very Cool!
I'd just like to let you know that I just had an opportunity to listen to Pretty
author: Peter AmeroAlthough not a musician myself feel I recognize true talent and you have assembled an incredible group of people on this CD. I do have one question for you though, where does that voice come from? That power, range and depth should not come from such a tiny, beautiful woman. Impressive!
Keep up the great work. Keep writing. Keep singing!!
author: Sue HutchJust wanted to send you a note to say how much I enjoy your latest CD "Pretty Pictures". It is so refreshing to hear music from an artist that is expressing themselves in a unique way and not following popular trends.
R&B, Neo-Soul and Acid Jazz find a home with Shannon Gaye.
author: Kenna Burima - FFWDOn "Pretty Pictures" Gaye's music is still groove-driven with a strong melodic sense, but it's evolved in terms of its musical breadth - new textures, powerful harmonies and slicker production. The resulting evolution shows that Shannon Gaye has become more than just a jazz vocalist. "Pretty Pictures" puts her in a different class than artists that merely cover old jazz standards.
Shannon Gaye delivers superb urban mix of Neo-Soul and Acid Jazz on Pretty Pictu
author: Jasmine C. (Metrogallery)This is Shannon Gaye's strongest album to date, with fantastic vocal performances, creative arrangements, and stellar playing by a handful of top Calgary and Toronto musicians. Pretty Pictures is not only a must-have CD for acid-jazz fans, but also for those in search of serious groove-driven yet melodic and meaningful music.
“Pretty Pictures hits a lot of solid grooves, with the singer’s pliable vocal co
author: Roger Levesque - Edmonton JournalPretty Pictures hits a lot of solid grooves, with the singer’s pliable vocal cords and jazzy phrasing floating over the mix. Many of the 11 original tracks were co-written with keyboardist Kristian Alexandrov, and Gaye finds tasty vocal hooks that fall nicely in synch with the music's smooth, sophisticated pop-soul lustre.
Very Cool
author: Crazy World Big SoundThis is a great CD. Very cood indeed. Shannon has beautiful voice and a unique style.