GRETCHEN PARLATO: Gretchen Parlato

Gretchen Parlato

Gretchen Parlato

© 2005 Gretchen Parlato Music (634479568602)

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A suble & sensuous blend of Jazz, Brazilian, and African elements. 1st place Winner of 2004 TheloniousMonk Vocal Comp. & praised by Herbie Hancock, "A deep, almost magical connection to the music." Wayne Shorter adds, "There's no one out there like her."

tracks

1 Skylark
2 Flor De Lis
3 Come to Me
4 Nonvignon
5 Ela E Carioca
6 Chega De Saudade
7 Benny's Tune
8 Juju/footprints

notes

"The first thing you notice about Gretchen Parlato is that she's a singer with a deep, almost magical connection to the music," says jazz legend Herbie Hancock. "She takes a lot of chances with her understated style, and it works. Every note is expressive, powerful, and pretty. And most important, her heart is in the right place." Gretchen's petite bearing and vocal enchantments evoked another famed spell-casting pixie for one reviewer, who called Gretchen's 2003 performance with Herbie in Paris "a fairy-tale like show. . . in the universe of Bjork."

This recording mixes elements of Jazz, Brazilian and African music. She is joined by a superb and complimentary rhythm section of Lionel Loueke (guitar and voice), Aaron Parks (piano), Massimo Biolcati (bass), and Cafe (percussion), each musician beautifully allowing the nuances of her soft and sensual voice to shine.

With this shrewd, emotive, and subtle approach, Gretchen has quickly created a buzz around New York. She moved from Los Angeles in 2003, after completing the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, where she was the first vocalist ever to be selected by Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Terence Blanchard. She charmed and awed judges by taking first prize in the 2004 Thelonious Monk Jazz Vocals Competition.

Gretchen performed as part of "A Celebration of Jobim" at the Hollywood Bowl with Oscar Castro-Neves, Gal Costa, Ivan Lins, and Dianne Reeves, and at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. She has performed with Roy Hargrove's Big Band, and provided vocals for Terence Blanchard's 2005 Blue Note album, "Flow", vocals with hip hop DJ Cut Chemist and vocals on Self Scientific's 2005 release "Change.", the soundtrack to the 2004 film "Seeing Other People" starring Jay Mohr and Walt Disneys "A World of Happiness", which also featured such artists as Lou Rawls, Gary Oldman, Deborah Harry, and Isaac Hayes. She has performed with greats such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Oscar Castro-Neves, and has studied with Terence Blanchard, Dave Holland, and Tierney Sutton. Her sound mixes Jazz, Brazilian, and African elements, creating a unique style all her own. Gretchen just recently performed with Wayne Shorter at Jazz a la Villette in Paris.


"I think in an inconspicuous way, Gretchen Parlato knows how to play the same instrument that Frank Sinatra played." comments jazz legend, Wayne Shorter. "Theres no one out there like Gretchen."

"Parlato's sense of subtle rhythmic interplay and understated theatrical nuance takes the ache of Frank and implicates it throughout an improvisational-based esthetic that rests, most often, on Brazilian master-class moments... As simple and restive as she sounds in print, her voice-scatting, cooing, leaning back then soaring-can leap through complex tempo and rhythmic shifts as if riding rapids."
-A.D. Amorosi, New York Press

"She enters the music, becoming part of the band, improvising in melody and rhythm, prying open sweet spots in the songs... it's evident that she's an extraordinary singer."
-Ben Ratliff, New York Times

visit www.gretchenparlato.com for more info & performance dates

reviews

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  • Gretchen Parlato
    author: Ian Henderson

    She sounds just as gorgeous as she looks

  • Great Album
    author: Thomas (France)

    Just can't get these tunes out of my head... I discovered GP at the La Villette Jazz Festival in Paris in August 2007, a wonderful performance, featuring the great Wayne Shorter ! Couldn't wait to buy the album after that... and I can't stop listening to it now ! It's pure genius, thank you so much...

  • Great voice, great sounds
    author: Ricardo Fernandes

    Nice production and excellent CD! I really like Gretchen. She sings like honey feeding flowers in the morning! Lionel Loueke's guitar is active and very well played. On the new released aspect, the CD reminds me of the time of Astrud Gilberto and Flora Purim in USA! In general, it is very good. I love Gretchen Parlato's voice and feelings. Ricardo from Montreal

  • Thoroughly enjoying it!
    author: Vick

    I'm really into Latin American Jazz these days and this is a great addition to what I've collected already. My only issue is that there could be more tracks on this dynamite cd. Good stuff!

  • wonderful!
    author: Kylie

    A beautiful collection of songs. The first and last songs on the album especially. One of the best arrangements of skylark that i've heard and the Wayne Shorter arrangement of Juju subtly flowing into Footprints is so wonderful and engaging. Musically, this is a gem. Plus it's just beautiful.

  • Encredible singer, ritmically great
    author: Corline

    What a great discovery! Encredible singer, ritmically great

  • amazing!
    author: kozy

    don't hesitate, buy this one now! amazing singing, fantastic band, great compositions and arrangments. this will become one of your favorite cds.

  • Delicious
    author: Eleison

    Each piece is a different taste/flavor and unlike other jazz albums, you will like EACH ONE of these songs and remember the character of each. Refreshing and sincere.

  • géniale
    author: loïs

    je ne sais pas ce que je peux rajouter après toute les autres review mais, je suis conquis!

  • this works
    author: John

    Gretchen's use of her voice is exactly what I like in a jazz singer--it's an instrument. Skylark! Holy cow. What a fresh look at this standard. Nice changes. This thing works with a latin beat--who would've thought? It's really super when the bossa nova gets emphasized going into the bridge. Looking forward to your next album, Gretchen!

  • Music which truly dances
    author: Matt Rothstein

    This is music that speaks from an organic place. This CD is a primary source in the way that Sinatra's sides are primary sources, Hermann Hesse's novels are primary sources, T.S. Eliot's poems are primary sources. Listen to the way Aaron Parks (piano) and Massimo Biolcati (bass) allow the music to breathe. Feel Lionel Loueke's (guitar) beautiful spirit. Explore the world created by Dayna Stephens' (arranger) harmonic sophistication on Skylark. Or just let go completely and dance. No matter which path you choose, your smile will be irrepressible.

  • Amazing !
    author: Mr. Lomax from Chicago

    I was officially Gretchenized once I heard you on Self Scientific's album (Track #10) and I'm proud to say I'm a fan. The album is amazing...very much needed right now. No no, thank you.

  • Amazing !
    author: Mr. Lomax from Chicago

    I was officially Gretchenized once I heard you on Self Scientific's album (Track #10) and I'm proud to say I'm a fan. The album is amazing...very much needed right now. No no, thank you. ___________________________________________________ The difference is all the same.

  • Jazz Enchantment, generously seasoned with Brazilian and African flavors
    author: Edmundas

    Gretchen and her frequent musical partner Lionel Loueke have a special kind of simpatico going. LL lends a lot more than guitar accoomaniment to this sesion; his compositions are nifty, especially "Nonvignon," and his backing vocals help establish a kind of atmospheric enchantment that floats through the entire disc. I'm taking my daughter to see GP TODAY at the U of Maryland, and I hope she sings (in addition to the great stuff from this disc) Herbie Hancock's "Butterfly," which she and LL did in their duet performance at KenCen last month.

  • Loved it.
    author: Lindsay

    This CD is so well done, I am very glad I bought it. The only problem is that I thought it was too short!! I wish there were more songs! :-)

  • Every bit as good as the other reviews say
    author: Marco

    I rarely buy a CD after hearing one track but after hearing JuJu/Footprints on NPR's song of the day, I just had to get this CD. And I'm glad I did. This is wonderful music, just listening to it lifts my spirits. My favorite track (so far) is Nonvignon. I defy anyone not to smile listening to it. And you'll find yourself singing the wordless nursery-rhyme-like refrain for days on end. Looking forward to Gretchen's next recording

  • Wouderful
    author: Sasha

    Very nice CD, Gretchen is wouderful singer, her voice is so unique and has a femenin and charming style!!! Would love to meet her one day and talk about professional things, hope she is coming to Norway one day on Molde International Jazz Festival. Wishing her all the best! Best regards Sasha

  • Natural & Organic - no artificial ingredients
    author: Rene

    Just want to take this cd to the beach with me on a hot sunny day. Have it with some chilled wine with feet buried in the sand, close my eyes and drift off listening to this great, gentle, music. Until I get back to my little beach chair, I'm listening to it in the car and it keeps me grooving during long commutes. Loving it.

  • Listen.......
    author: John Brito-BlendMasters Records@http://www.angelfire.com/dragon3

    Beautiful,you know one of my passions is Jazz,I'm from Paterson,New Jersey,while traveling the lonely road that most music people travel,I regu;arly would try to sneak some time on the Piano@the local community college piano located in their cafeteria(Passaic County Community College)Saturday mornings were thge best and/or are,you've a gift,care for it and it'll keep you so happy!

  • The new Edith Piaf of American-Brazilian Jazz
    author: Charlie Pecoraro

    Gretchen has a quality of voice that just melts with the music, blending and swirling up in it. She has a control and a style that are rare and unique. I look forward to picking up more of her titles. -Charlie Pecoraro

  • Absolutely Sublime!
    author: USMC Terri

    Close your eyes and imagine the most beautiful place on earth....imagine that you're there, relaxing and taking in all the wonder that surrounds you....imagine that all is right with the world....permanently. This is the experience of listening to Gretchen Parlato. Positively one of the best CDs available. Get it. You won't be disappointed!!!

  • She makes me dance!!
    author: Mary Ann Laing

    I only take the time to write if the CD makes me dance, physically or spiritually. And Gretchen makes me do both. I love the lilting, melodic scat rythmic charms of her voice. She plays it like a million dollar instrument, and so beautifully. I hate it when the last track is finished...I WANT MORE!! And hope there will be...more!!

  • Almost as good as in concert.
    author: Melissa

    I first heard Gretchen sing live at the Kennedy Center not long ago. I was afraid of getting the CD--that I might be disappointed in the recording verses the concert experience. I was not disappointed! It's a fantastic CD, but do see her in person if you have a chance--the experience is captivating!

  • phenomenal
    author: mark r

    If you dig Elis Regina, Luciana Souza, etc., you'll love Gretchen. Add the incredible guitarist, Lionel Loueke, to the mix and this CD is phenomenal. I hope to catch Gretchen and Lionel in duo format live somewhere soon.

  • Take you into another world
    author: Matt

    The album was incredible. Everyone who's heard it (myself included) has been enchanted by Gretchen's alluring voice and styling. One of those albums you just pop in and let it run as the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine and candle light. Every song is gold, and I can't wait to see another album come out featuring Gretchen.

  • Try it - you'll like it
    author: susan

    So few CDs are more than a few good tunes with a lot of filler - not so this one. Gretchen's voice is lovely, excellent accompaniment, creative arrangements and a very pleasant vibe that carries from start to finish. No wonder Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter sing her praises. This is a very talented musician with a feel-good debut CD. Smart music that's still fun.

  • Ahhhhhh! Sweet!
    author: Jane from Los Angeles

    We heard Gretchen at the Hollywood Bowl last year. I held onto her promotional postcard, since she had such an awesome voice on stage and great bossa nova sound. Recently I came across it and ordered the CD, and we just love it. It is beautiful music that you can just listen to over and over, and it mixes well in the CD player with an assortment of other jazz.

  • One of the BEST female aritist in jazz.
    author: Derek Holy

    This CD is so relaxing it makes you forget all your worries and puts you in a better mood.

  • You Must Get This CD -this kind of voice does not come around too often
    author: Doug

    There is a moment early on in "Benny's Tune", where Gretchen take hold of a very sweet note, shapes it, sustains it and then lets it melt in your ear. It's spine tingling. There are so many treats throughout this spectacular CD. When you're finished digesting it, see her live performance with Lionel on guitar. They combine to create a locomotive power - Lionel's guitar turns into a literal springboard for all sorts of percussive, rhythmic adventures, some involving a taped piece of paper contacting the strings making musical notes mutate into messengers of something more profound. Lionel and Gretchen converse in something betweeen song, scat and spoken word in a magical dialogue.

  • Lovely experience. Proud that it was recorded in Brooklyn!
    author: Peter Flemming

    Enjoyed it very much. Soothing and stimulating at the same time. Nothing beats the Brazilian beat. Justified my holding the NYTimes' review almost 12 months. Proud that this was recorded in my home town, Brooklyn -- America's 4th largest city (Houston, eat your heart out -- you're only 6th, after our sister-borough, Queens!).

  • Beautifully compiled, beautifully recorded, beautiful voice!
    author: Nicky

    This CD delivers a fantastic feeling for Brazilian music in general. Parlato's voice is effortless as she glides between english lyrics and flawless Portugese. The backing ensemble has the right balance of sensitivity and presence. The best tracks by far are Skylark, Flor de Lis and Juju/Footprints. Admirers of Tierney Sutton will find similarities between Sutton and her once student Gretchen Parlato. The most notable similarity being Paralto's ability to use the voice as an instrument, an extension of herself.

  • author: Sarita

    I really liked the cd, the arrangements and Gretchen's voice.Her interpretations of melodies are great and her tone quality is beautiful. I hope to have the chance to see a live concert soon.

  • Enchanting!

    Refreshing voice, especially for a young artist. I caught her live performance at the Hollywood Bowl's Celebration of Jobim 2005, and immediately sought out her album. It delivered and I'm loving it!

  • Enchanting!

    Refreshing voice, especially for a young artist. I caught her live performance at the Hollywood Bowl's Celebration of Jobim 2005, and immediately sought out her album. It delivered and I'm loving it!

  • Wonderful!
    author: Hillina

    This is really the first Brazilian Jazz CD I have ever purchased. Her voice is magical and I get lost in the music. Because of this CD, I have been inspired to listen to many other similar artists. I just love it...

  • Beautiful
    author: Bridget

    Gretchen has such a beautiful voice, unlike any that I've heard at her young age. She sounds smooth and silky, her rhythmic sense is impeccable. Keep an eye on this up-and-coming artist because she is something special.

  • Loved this CD!
    author: Karen Sarachik

    This CD is completely enchanting - Gretchen Parlato's voice is beautiful and hypnotic, and the accompaniments are also great! I give the CD just slightly less than 5 stars only because though I loved the guitar work in general, unfortunately it sounded quite buzzy and overcomplicated on my favorite song - Ela E Carioca. Couldn't quite understand what the guitarist was trying to do on that one. Overall though, great CD.

  • What a marvellous music!!!
    author: Marta - Italy

    Gretchen Parlato's first solo album is a pleasant surprise. Endowed with a deep and unique musicianship, the young singer takes chances with her faint, but at the same time expressive, voice. The Afro-Latin-Brazilian atmosphere reveals fundamental to the rendition of Hoagy Carmichael's Skylark; Bjork's Come To Me (here played as a lullaby for restless lovers) and Shorter's Juju (with some evocative lyrics written by Gretchen herself) and Footprints. Lionel Loueke's original compositions for the Californian singer (Nonvignon and Benny's Tune) are equally surprising - Gretchen sings together with him with ingenuity and non-chalance. Here's some great music by young and talented musicians. Highly recommended!

  • SIMPLY SUPERB!
    author: Murray Miller

    I never really listen to this kind of music but a friend recommended this CD and now it's a permanent fixture in my stereo. It's the perfect thing to have on at all times - great background music, great party music, great dining music - it's just relaxing and fun and beautiful. Gretchen's voice is like no other - simply superb!

  • nice CD
    author: Daniel Calvo

    I enjoyed this CD very much however, I do have some mild criticism. I actually had downloaded and burned some of the material at the web site in the past. Much of this appears re recorded on the new CD. After hearing the CD, I actually preferred some of the postings at the site. Yes, the resolution of CD recording is much superior. The communication among the artist and rhythm section is more musical, bulids more completely than the original cuts and is satisfying. However, the voice is mic'd a little closer here resulting in a sound which is dryer (and albeit more accurate) than the postings at the site. Better resolution is probably contributing to this effect as well. For this particular artist, though, I think this recording strategy detracts slightly from one of her most appealing qualities: tone quality. Sure the timing and musicality of her delivery are great, but it's the basic tone quality for me that makes me most interested in hearing this particular voice. There were also some other recordings at her site done for other commercial projects that showcase a prettier sound which I found more pleasant and I would guess might also be more universally appealing.

  • Magical & Mesmerizing
    author: Chris - Los Angeles

    It's rare for a vocalist to get such high praise from musical giants such as Gretchen has. And on the heels of having won the Monk Competition, one might expect her cd to be a display of her technical expertise – busier and more complex than what we'd expect to hear from most other vocalists. But after hearing this cd, the words that keep resounding are "magical connection to the music". The feeling of a connection from deep within is quite evident - and what emerges is soulful and powerful enough to carry you off with her, regardless of where you were at beforehand. It's deeper than interpretation of lyric or song, but rather, a total connection with the music itself – giving birth to the magic. To me, the magic also lies in her ability to take such complex music and seamlessly frolic through all the rhythmic shifts and harmonies and make it all feel so simple and fun... all the while mesmerizing you with her amazing, angelic voice. Magical, yes.

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