It’s telling that singer Zoe Scott includes a sensual version of a Chrissie Hynde / Pretenders hit among other pop and Brazilian classics on Shades Of Love, her exquisite, breezy and lushly produced album of bossa nova. The London-born recording artist found great success as an edgy rock n’ roller for years before the Brazilian jazz bug bit her and challenged her to be more emotionally vulnerable and in tune with what she calls “life in the quiet spaces.” Adding to the magic and charm of Scott’s soul-stirring transformation into an interpreter of subtlety and seduction, are Brazilian-born multi-Grammy and Latin Grammy winning producer Moogie Canazio and bossa legends, including guitarist and arranger Torcuato Mariano and pianist/singer Daniel Jobim, grandson of Antonio Carlos Jobim. Brava! ~ smoothjazz.com
With a laid back, soulful style, singer-songwriter Angela Predhomme expresses emotion with honesty and passion. Predhomme’s unique brand of simple, elegant artistry shines on her cover of Sam Smith’s “Stay with Me.” The song seems like a natural for her intimate, longing vocal delivery that soars up to gently float on sweet harmonies. The stripped down piano-vocal production on “Stay with Me” lays out bare emotion, compelling in its uncluttered authenticity. Asked why she chose this song to cover, Predhomme says, “How can I not be a fan of Sam Smith? I think he’s one of the best new artists of the last decade. Sam is a singer’s singer, and a true artist. About my choice of ‘Stay with Me,’ I always felt a connection to the intuitive, memorable melody and the raw, intense plea to save someone from abandonment. I think we’ve all been there at some point.” Predhomme’s commitment to writing and producing her own music has continued, buoyed by Symphonic Distribution, with whom she signed recently. Her infectiously catchy summer release, “So Good to Be Free” continues to draw in new listeners, as well as its follow up, her soulful love song, “Changeless Sky.” Gaining momentum, too, is Predhomme’s low-key fall release, “Graced with You,” a tender piano-based waltz with strings that highlights her classical influences.
With great hope in her heart and whimsical groove in her spirit, flutist Kim Scott launches her second decade as a Smooth Jazz recording artist with “Back Together Again,” from her forthcoming album Shine! A playful and infectious romp with simmering energy and soaring melody, makes the song the perfect soundtrack for a post-Covid world of rekindled friendships and family relationships that have been sidelined during the pandemic. Ms. Scott, also a nationally syndicated radio host, dynamically collaborates with the song’s co-writer, keyboardist Greg Manning, who keeps the rhythms tight, with graceful harmonies and lush atmospheres flowing beautifully with the trademark flute vibe. From start to finish, “Back Together Again” works the deeper magic of making us feel optimistic again. ~ smoothjazz.com
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