Songs from the CD
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About the Artists Halina Pytlasinska - I especially love jazz and Celtic music. I began singing in drama school in the mid 90's. Since those earlier musical theatre days I have worked with both classical and jazz singers and have attended improvisation workshops led by Jim Dvorak, Eric Mingus, Maggie Nichols and Carol Grimes. I was lucky enough to meet Frances and Julia (members in my wedding band!) in May '99 and formed our current band in September '99. Let me introduce you to our line up of talented musicians: Frances Knight - Frances began her playing career in London, touring countrywide and abroad. She has worked with Tony Coe who features on her album 'Tales from the Front Room'. Frances has played and recorded extensively with vocalists Jan Ponsford and Julie Dennis, and recently recorded an album with Stan Sulzmann and jazz singer Maureen Connett. Frances studied jazz piano and arranging at the Guildhall and has played in and composed for a wide variety of bands including choirs, improvised jazz, salsa and Brazilian music. One of her current passions is tango: she plays in Los Mareados (Argentinian tango) and is studying bandoneon. Julia Doyle - Active in the jazz scene since 1980, Julia co-founded the womens jazz band The Guest Stars. She then featured in Jim Dvorak's jazz quintet 'Toot Sweet'. Having studied open improvisation with John Stevens, Julia facilitates improvisation sessions and expresses this interest in bands such as Cats Cradle, Loverlry, Antics and Tokolushu. Julia also loves playing dance music in bands like Klezmer Klub, Los Mareados (Argentinian tango), Bandoska (Eastern European gypsy music) and fusion band Iki. Paul Taylor - Paul's jazz-playing began in a pub in Hull. He has since worked in numerous bands including The Brotherhood of Breath and The Blue Planet Orchestra. He has recorded several albums with The Pogues, 3 Mustaphas 3, The Blowpipes Trombone Trio, Kermesse and many more. Having developed a niche in Latin American music, he plays with a variety of musicians including Roberto Pla and Snowboy. Paul also writes poetry. See his own web-site: www.nous.org.uk. |
| Reviews |
Taking jazz back to its roots, Halina Pytlasinska sings spirituals, folk songs, blues and swinging pop that turns loose the
improvisation muse. Her smooth, pleasant alto voice, which resembles that of Chris Connor, forges Halina After Dark
(self-produced) as both familiar and adventurous. Bassist Julia Doyle and pianist Frances Knight help create the
various moods, while trombonist Paul Taylor adds a unique modern jazz feeling to the session. War-horse classics "All
Blues" and "Nature Boy" are treated with respect. Others draw from references around the world. Two Tom Waits
songs, "The Briar & the Rose" and "Tango ‘til They’re Sore," lend interesting elements. Waits’ ballad sits comfortably
with a lyrical charm, while his tango scores as the program’s highlight. Combining ethnic flavors with unique
avant-garde improvisation, the piece spins and turns on rhythmic wheels. Recommended, Halina Pytlasinska’s album
features a soulful and imaginative presentation centered on her confident vocals.
Click here to link to all about jazz
improvisation muse. Her smooth, pleasant alto voice, which resembles that of Chris Connor, forges Halina After Dark
(self-produced) as both familiar and adventurous. Bassist Julia Doyle and pianist Frances Knight help create the
various moods, while trombonist Paul Taylor adds a unique modern jazz feeling to the session. War-horse classics "All
Blues" and "Nature Boy" are treated with respect. Others draw from references around the world. Two Tom Waits
songs, "The Briar & the Rose" and "Tango ‘til They’re Sore," lend interesting elements. Waits’ ballad sits comfortably
with a lyrical charm, while his tango scores as the program’s highlight. Combining ethnic flavors with unique
avant-garde improvisation, the piece spins and turns on rhythmic wheels. Recommended, Halina Pytlasinska’s album
features a soulful and imaginative presentation centered on her confident vocals.
Click here to link to all about jazz
| Background (from the CD) |