Acclaimed Jazz Vocalist Mark Winkler Releases 22nd Album HOLD ON

Mark Winkler, a celebrated vocalist and prolific lyricist on the Los Angeles jazz scene, is back with his 22nd album, HOLD ON. Known for his collaborations with jazz legends like Dianne Reeves, Randy Crawford, Claire Martin, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, Winkler continues to push creative boundaries with this latest collection of mostly original tunes, complemented by a few well-chosen jazz standards.

Over his extensive recording career, Winkler has worked alongside some of the finest jazz vocalists, including Jackie Ryan, Steve Tyrell, Claire Martin, and Sara Gazarek. His collaborations with Cheryl Bentyne of The Manhattan Transfer and pianist David Benoit earned high praise, with Jersey Jazz calling him “one of the best male vocalists on the jazz scene.” Yet Winkler never rests on past accolades; he constantly evolves, creating fresh musical experiences with each release.

For HOLD ON, Winkler teamed up with six outstanding pianists—including Grammy winner John Beasley, Rich Eames, Tamir Hendelman, Eric Reed, Greg Gordon Smith, and Jamieson Trotter—each bringing a unique style to the album’s rich sonic tapestry. Supported by a top-notch Los Angeles band featuring Gabe Davis (bass), Christian Euman (drums), Bob Sheppard (sax), and others, Winkler’s new album reflects a broad spectrum of jazz sounds and moods.

Unlike many artists who pick songs based solely on aesthetic appeal, Winkler selects material that resonates personally. He explains, “I didn’t think of a particular theme when I chose the material — but after it was completed, I realized the songs all have biographical elements that attracted me.”

The album opens with the title track “Hold On,” co-written with Greg Gordon Smith, which encourages perseverance during difficult times. Other highlights include the witty Dave Frishberg classic “A Little Taste,” and an inventive take on Frank Loesser’s “If I Were a Bell,” arranged by Smith and featuring Hendelman on piano.

Winkler’s love for film noir and campy sci-fi shines in “Cat Women on the Moon,” a cha-cha tribute inspired by 1950s cult classics. His emotional depth comes through in a bossa nova version of “It Was a Very Good Year,” featuring a lush flugelhorn solo by Brian Swartz.

Other original songs such as “My Future’s Just a Memory” and “Train in the Desert” explore themes of aging, loss, and new beginnings, while “My Electric Car” offers an optimistic vision of a cleaner future. The album closes with “I Dream of You Each Night,” inspired by the 1950s gay experience and arranged by Spencer Day with Eric Reed on piano.

Produced by Barbara Brighton, who has worked on nine of Winkler’s albums, HOLD ON is a captivating mix of swing, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. With each song, Winkler invites listeners into his world—an elegant, soulful space where jazz’s timeless spirit thrives.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, HOLD ON offers a rich listening experience filled with fresh originals and classic jazz gems.

HOLD ON Track Highlights:

• Hold On (Original)

• A Little Taste (Dave Frishberg)

• If I Were a Bell (Frank Loesser)

• Cat Women on the Moon (Original)

• It Was a Very Good Year (Bossa Nova Style)

• My Future’s Just a Memory (Original)

• Vienna (Billy Joel Cover)

• Train in the Desert (Original)

• My Electric Car (Original)

• I Dream of You Each Night (Original)