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| Rene'e Manning Releases 'All Grown Up' Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Rene'e Manning is known for her robust voice, rich tones and impeccable time making her truly a musician's vocalist. Her new release, All Grown UP, showcases those attributes in a soothing, quieter set parallel to the powerful big band selections she's known for. Her debut in the jazz world as a singer with the Mel Lewis Orchestra (from 1983-1989) was the longest tenure of any vocalist associated with the organization. By chance, Mr. Lewis heard Rene'e performing at Mikell's with her funk band. He invited her to sit in with his band at the Village Vanguard and after a standing ovation hired her as his vocalist on the spot. Since then she has proven to be an incredibly versatile singer. Her other big band associations and collaborations have included the Mingus Big Band, Chico O'Farrill Afro Cuban Orchestra, The George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, Dukes' Men, as well as, a large ensemble project with Lester Bowie and Earl McIntyre. She released her debut album Uhm..Uhmm..Uhmmm and sophomore As Is via japanese record label Ken Music to rave reviews. Testimony to her skills comes in the form of the number of musicians who have asked her to sit in at various engagements. These include Dizzy Gillespie, Sir Roland Hanna, Mark Murphy, Howard Johnson and Joe Williams and so many others. Ms. Manning has also appeared as a guest soloist in the concert presentation of two George Gruntz operas, Cosmopolitan Greetings and The Magic of the Flute, productions done with the Cologne and Hamburg Radio Orchestras. For Cosmopolitan Greetings she teamed up with the likes of Don Cherry, Mark Murphy, Sheila Jordan, Howard Johnson and Ray Anderson. Recently she appeared in Zagreb, Croatia for a big band "Ellington Night" with Sigi Feigl. In comparison, All Grown Up shows the quieter side of Rene'e coupling her with trios and quartets. 'It's the kind of album that makes you want to kick off your shoes, relax and enjoy a nice glass of wine. A lot of people know me for my big band growl and dirty dog blues but I wanted an album that will allow people to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. We all need to relax a little and enjoy the little things.' says Manning. This album allows you to do just that. All Grown Up will be available via MySpace, CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and more. Join us for the CD celebration. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Jazz News :: home page |