DENA TAYLOR - ROUND MIDNIGHT

Dena Taylor will debut a selection of vocal jazz arrangements as featured artist July 13-21, on the exciting virtual jazz community "The Jazz Network" created by Jaijai Jackson, daughter of jazz bassist "Chubby Jackson." Dena's resounding voice premieres itself with her new release "Round Midnight." On this solo effort, Dena rounded up some very impressive musicians for her debut recording with keyboardist Ron Teixeira, bassist Ron Pirtle, and drummer Dave Dunscombe. Displaying a great respect for jazz standards Dena's debut CD is a heartwarming expression of her true nature and shows her spirit as a soulful storyteller. "The strong-voiced, yet sweet singing Taylor chose the 9 tracks based on her appreciation of the lyrics and emotional attachment to the melodies.

"She is a jazz and blues vocalist extraordinaire! Has a huge repertoire of songs from both genres of music and sings all of them very well. Is very professional, has great back up musicians, garners fans wherever she performs, and audiences feel she is singing to them. All in all, Dena Taylor is a joy to watch as well as to listen to her vocals." ~ Sandi Hall, Development Executive, WFIT 89.5FM-Brevards only Public Radio Station "Dena's voice is strong and seasoned. It captures the essence of the jazz standards by making them all her own." ~ Jaijai Jackson"This vocalist has an intensely strong, rich and mellow voice and she draws you into the jazz songs she sings." ~ CD Baby reviewAfter many years of building her musical talent singing locally in any venue she could find, she continued honing her skills after entering into the military where she remained from 1970 to 1982, mostly in Greece, Spain and Germany. Dena was able to utilize her vocal talents jamming with friends as well as performing in USO shows and local events in nearby hotels and clubs.Blending her theater and acting training with her lifelong love of the standard jazz repertoire, Dena's latest project is being heralded as a newcomer on the scene who surely has a message to express.

With musical influences like Rosemary Clooney, early Barbra Striesand, Dusty Springfeild and gospel artist CeCe Winans, Dena found her own voice and what feels good to her in her new CD "Round Midnight". Dena primarily performs in the central Florida area but is certainly open to taking her talents to wherever audiences want to hear what she has to share. Be it small intimate performances to large fund-raisers that lend her voice to those areas of charity that lies close to her heart. "I love it when the audience is in my song with me" says Dena.