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| Tammy McCann's new CD ’Classic’ "Classic " is a recent recording by Chicago jazz vocalist Tammy McCann. On "Classic, " McCann is supported by saxophonist Ari Brown, drummer Ernie Adams, pianist/arranger Tom Vaitsas, and bassist Dan McNaughton. After classical training at the prestigious Kenwood Academy High School and Virginia Union University, McCann's sensuous, versatile voice has resonated across the globe with performances in Italy, Germany, Japan, France, and numerous other countries. Her performance record in the United States is equally remarkable: concerts at popular Chicago venues such as Parkwest, Jazz Bulls, Green Dolphin, and the Cotton Club commingle with appearances on "The Bernie Mac Show." Promotion of "Classic" has resulted in well received airplay on WHPK, WDCB, WSSD, and WKKC. Aside from radio recognition, the superb vocal display on "Classic" prompted Chicago saxophonist Von Freeman to declare "Everyone who hears her loves her. She's a natural talent." A bold proclamation from a renowned musician, but McCann fulfills, even surpasses, claims of her prowess. Following her performance at a recent installment of Geraldine DeHaas Jazz Unites, McCann obliged new found admirers with autographed copies of "Classic." "Classic" is packed with moving renditions of jazz masterpieces, each tune reaffirming the admirable sentiment of Von Freeman and others. According to Chicago pianist Ramsey Lewis, listeners are not left aching for traditional versions of the selections on "Classic." Instead, Mr. Lewis depicts McCann as a "performer who knows how to get the most out of" a chart, by breathing "new life into [the] evergreens" of the vocal jazz tradition. The album commences with a Latin tinged version of the Rogers and Hammerstein favorite "Happy Talk, " allowing Tammy to demonstrate clarity and precision at a challenging tempo. While the tempo may relax on subsequent ballads like Nina Simone's "Black is the Color" or Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life, " the emotional intensity remains. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |