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| Debbie Duncan and Carole Martin at the Artists Quarter by Andrea Canter,Jazz Police Although their voices and styles may seem miles apart, there is one significant commonality among Carole Martin and Debbie Duncan—they are consummate performers, as entertaining as they are talented. Two of the most engaging vocalists you will ever see and hear, Carole and Debbie share the stage for the first time at the Artists Quarter, March 30-31. Debbie Duncan isn't called Minnesota's First Lady of Song on a whim. It's a title she's earned many times over since her days with Rupert's Orchestra in the mid 80s. As versatile as she is entertaining, Detroit native Debbie mixes jazz, soul, R&B and down-home blues with power and swing. Debbie has opened for Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Stephane Grapelli, and won the Minnesota Music Award for "Perpetually Outstanding Performer." Her recording credits include work with Oleta Adams, Jimmy McGriff, pop bands Iffy and B-3, and local jazzers Fat Kids Wednesday, as well as her own recordings, including her most recent, I Thought About You (2006, FS Music). Local gigs include frequent appearances at the Artists Quarter, Times, and Dakota and teaching at McNally Smith College of Music. She's also toured in Italy and is a former member of The Girls. Notes an Artists Quarter press release, "On stage, she can crack you up and break your heart over the course of one verse." If she didn't sing, this would still be pure entertainment. But of course she sings like no one else. Early in her career—before the realities of family—Carole Martin was heard for nights on end at local clubs such as the Point Supper Club, Mar-key Club, the Radisson, and later at the Artists Quarter and Dakota. Her first recording, The Music That Makes Me Dance, was released back in 1968, and audiences had to wait more than 35 years for Pieces of Dreams. With her children now grown, Martin gradually resumed public appearances, special engagements and finally a return to the recording studio. Pieces of Dreams was followed quickly by Songs From My Heart. Noted New York-based pianist Rick Germanson, an AQ favorite who appears on Songs…, "Carole could definitely work anywhere in the world. What she has that puts her above a lot of singers is that she always tells a story…" Adds the great saxophonist Irv Williams, also on her CD as well as a regular member of her quartet, "Carole has all the tools. She has looks, a great personality, and nobody can sell a song better than she can." Stand close and Carole will singe your heart with a torch song. Take Carole's elegant charm and mix in Debbie's sass with class—it makes for an unforgettable weekend of song and banter. Carole Martin and Debbie Duncan join together for one hot songful weekend at the Artists Quarter, 408 St. Peter Street in downtown St. Paul. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |