The next up-and-coming jazz and blues artist with a little bit of soul can be heard on "Blind Faith" by Melissa Kate. TM International produced this 8 track solo debut. Recorded at Pharoah studios through Van Taylor Production, this compilation showcases various renowned artists.
Melissa studied Barbershop, Classical, Opera and Musical Theatre. She was trained classically by Mr. Robert Wells and studied with Mr. Amuso who provided her with the basics of Jazz. Melissa became engulfed in the NYC Jazz scene and has performed at the World Trade Center, Swing 46, Pops Is Tops, the American Lindy Hop Championships, and at Louie Armstrong's house.
Melissa Kate is an international vocalist and began her artistic development with the award winning Taylor Made Jazz through Van Taylor Production. She is a powerhouse in Jazz, Blues, R&B and pop. Melissa now performs with The George Scott Big Band, travels internationally with Taylor Made Jazz, and has now come into her own with The Melissa Kate Project. Melissa has performed for the Armed Forces Entertainment, The Langston Hughes Institute, the M&T Plaza Concert series and the Buffalo Music Awards and continues to enlighten crowds internationally.
Melissa gives thanks to the musicians who have helped her artistically and support her such as:
Van Taylor, Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee: keys/lyricist/production/manager, Walter Kemp III: keys, Jerry Livingston, 2008 Buffalo Music Hall of Fame Inductee, Jerry Sampson and Richie Valentino on bass, Jeff Nixon, Ron Walker, David Comtois and Nelson Thomas on guitar, Will Holton on Sax, Mike Crimes and Tim Webb on percussion and Flick Williams on vocals and keys.
A jazzy blues backbeat is apparent on the title track, "Blind Faith." Sultry vocals rise with percussion and bass keeping time behind her with the addition of horns. "Midnight Blue" is pbeat with traces of 80's discotheque to get you up and dancing. Her lyrics are in depth, her presence shining and her vocal range is to be envied. Accompanied by The Melissa Kate Project, this CD is a must for all music aficionados.
Melissa Kate can be found at: Melissa Kate . Grab her solo debut at: CD Baby. I had the pleasure of experiencing Melissa with Taylor Made Jazz and the Melissa Kate Project as she belted out vocals with a stage presence that invites you in like a warm embrace. Melissa is a positive light in this world and continues to support charitable causes. You can catch Melissa performing every Monday evening at The Historic Colored Musicians Club with The George Scott Big Band. The Melissa Kate Project on November 7, in NYC to benefit Artfully Aware. Please access her website above for more information.
I suggest you do not miss her. She is a star, following shadows . . . trying to see her way to the light.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Buffalo Select Chorus 2008 CD Release Righteous Babe Foundation (New York)
The Buffalo Select Chorus performed their 3rd Annual Concert June 4 at 7PM in Asbury Hall at Babeville. The recital and reception was free and open to all wishing to participate in the upcoming 2008-2009 Buffalo Select Chorus. This concert was recorded by the Righteous Babe Foundation and is now available on CD.
Sponsored by the Righteous Babe Foundation, it is the only chorus made up of Buffalo high school students, with nine different schools represented. The Buffalo Select Chorus is a talented, dynamic group that has persevered despite challenges for funding in the arts in the Buffalo schools.
In the spring of 2005, Linda Appleby (creative director and vocal instructor), along with Susan Mann Dolce (executive director) and other interested community members and parents set out to create a citywide Buffalo Public High School Chorus to begin that fall. The group would have weekly practices, play in a variety of venues over the year, have a final concert and reception, and produce a professional recording for use in the college application process. What resulted from their efforts was a selection of eight talented individuals from three Buffalo Public High Schools who gathered to rehearse once a week for six months.
The Righteous Babe Foundation took notice of these amazing singers and the need for more support to grow this fledgling group. The use of the restored Asbury Hall at The Church (now Babeville) was made available for weekly rehearsal and as primary performance space. Asbury Hall has become a Monday night "home" for Buffalo Select Chorus!
The Chorus has grown exponentially to thirty students, and in partnership with the Righteous Babe Foundation, will continue its mission: to provide a venue for Buffalo High School students to expand their vocal skills while offering actual performance experience under the tutelage of certified music teachers and professional musicians. This program of excellence will also be saying goodbye to many graduating seniors.
Please visit: http://www.buffaloselectchorus.com/tester/Index.html to get a hold of this outstanding performance composed of Buffalo High School students and musicians. Buffalo Select Chorus was showcased on Think Twice Radio: http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html Click the link to hear them rehearse, view pictures and connect to the mentors, musicians and students who make Buffalo Select Chorus a much desired investment.
Sponsored by the Righteous Babe Foundation, it is the only chorus made up of Buffalo high school students, with nine different schools represented. The Buffalo Select Chorus is a talented, dynamic group that has persevered despite challenges for funding in the arts in the Buffalo schools.
In the spring of 2005, Linda Appleby (creative director and vocal instructor), along with Susan Mann Dolce (executive director) and other interested community members and parents set out to create a citywide Buffalo Public High School Chorus to begin that fall. The group would have weekly practices, play in a variety of venues over the year, have a final concert and reception, and produce a professional recording for use in the college application process. What resulted from their efforts was a selection of eight talented individuals from three Buffalo Public High Schools who gathered to rehearse once a week for six months.
The Righteous Babe Foundation took notice of these amazing singers and the need for more support to grow this fledgling group. The use of the restored Asbury Hall at The Church (now Babeville) was made available for weekly rehearsal and as primary performance space. Asbury Hall has become a Monday night "home" for Buffalo Select Chorus!
The Chorus has grown exponentially to thirty students, and in partnership with the Righteous Babe Foundation, will continue its mission: to provide a venue for Buffalo High School students to expand their vocal skills while offering actual performance experience under the tutelage of certified music teachers and professional musicians. This program of excellence will also be saying goodbye to many graduating seniors.
Please visit: http://www.buffaloselectchorus.com/tester/Index.html to get a hold of this outstanding performance composed of Buffalo High School students and musicians. Buffalo Select Chorus was showcased on Think Twice Radio: http://www.thinktwiceradio.com/sue-marie/sue-marie.html Click the link to hear them rehearse, view pictures and connect to the mentors, musicians and students who make Buffalo Select Chorus a much desired investment.
Amanda Nagurney - Gettin' Out Of This Town (New York)
Raised in Western New York, Amanda Nagurney began vocal lessons at the age of seven. Her previous band, Copperhead Road, released a six track CD, entitled, "Gettin Out Of This Town" in 2008. Copperhead Road consisted of: Amanda Nagurney: main vocals and lead/rhythm guitar, Sarah Baumgarden: vocals, Tim Webb: percussion, Shpike McLean: bass and vocals, Joe Childs: lead guitar and vocals, Kevin Hatton: steel guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, acoustic and vocals, and Buffalo Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Ehinger, on keyboards.
The first track lays down some country and western roots. "Gettin Out Of This Town," blends folk with electric guitar and percussion creating a rock-pop sound. The lyrics speak of Amanda's travels to Nashville and this tune will get you out of your seat and onto the floor when you hear: "Nothin's gonna stop me in my cowgirl boots."
"Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever" is a ballad that has a background country flavor in the slide that mimics the soaring vocals. "Rock That Country" is a track that jolts you alive. Guitar riffs and percussion can be picked up alongside undertones of R&B. "Don't Ask Me To Love You" takes the listener back to 80's pop which then gets blended with a jazzy back beat. The vocals are perfection as Amanda sings: "I'll dance with ya baby, but don't ask me to love you." In "Never Break My Heart," there is a lovely slide intro with soft-spoken vocals.
Amanda has toured the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and recorded at the infamous Ryman Auditorium. She has opened for The John Corbett Band, The Locash Boys, Sammy Kershaw, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, and Miranda Lambert.
She is a rising star waiting to get out of this town.
The first track lays down some country and western roots. "Gettin Out Of This Town," blends folk with electric guitar and percussion creating a rock-pop sound. The lyrics speak of Amanda's travels to Nashville and this tune will get you out of your seat and onto the floor when you hear: "Nothin's gonna stop me in my cowgirl boots."
"Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forever" is a ballad that has a background country flavor in the slide that mimics the soaring vocals. "Rock That Country" is a track that jolts you alive. Guitar riffs and percussion can be picked up alongside undertones of R&B. "Don't Ask Me To Love You" takes the listener back to 80's pop which then gets blended with a jazzy back beat. The vocals are perfection as Amanda sings: "I'll dance with ya baby, but don't ask me to love you." In "Never Break My Heart," there is a lovely slide intro with soft-spoken vocals.
Amanda has toured the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and recorded at the infamous Ryman Auditorium. She has opened for The John Corbett Band, The Locash Boys, Sammy Kershaw, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, and Miranda Lambert.
She is a rising star waiting to get out of this town.
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