Sweet Candor Is The Very Best Of Maureen Budway’s Exceptional Vocal Range

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Sweet Candor (MCGJ 1043) is a collection of songs that represent Maureen Budway's unique ability to perform in a variety of styles with authority, passion and a deep understanding of each genre.

Knowing her cancer had returned and was more aggressive – in true "Mo" style – she came into the studio and recorded the album in two consecutive days of only four-hour sessions. In this day and age of weeks of overdubs and multiple-multiple takes, this record represents a true artist's ability to sing a song the way it is meant to be sung. She had battled cancer for over 20 years and everyone involved in the project all felt she would beat it again. Unfortunately, that was not the case and Maureen passed away on Monday, January 12, 2015. Thankfully, however, the finished CD was delivered to her home on Christmas Eve so she and her family could enjoy this special recording during the holidays.

Sweet Candor is set for release on February 17, 2015, on the MCG Jazz label. Maureen Budway's execution of the song, from the Carmen McRae influenced "Del Sasser" to the Budway original ballad "Lonely Cane, " conveys the message of the song in a profound way, reaching into the depth of her very being. Maureen and her brother, pianist David Budway, have been performing together since childhood, and their ability to communicate musically is truly akin to thinking as one. This is powerfully apparent in the "Americana Suite" as they reach back into their childhood performing a medley from the classic film Holiday Inn as well as "Hard Times Come Again No More" written by Pittsburgh's own Stephen Foster.

NEA Jazz Master, flutist Hubert Laws says about Mo, "Maureen is a spirit whose life touched mine. Her sparkling personality (was apparent) when we first went out for dinner. It was later, when exposed to her musical prowess, that I was convinced that that spark stemmed from her special talent – to not only sing but scat/improvise. That is a unique gift from above that cannot be taught. I invite you to listen to her recordings with her brother David as they include that special ability. The sacred writings of Ecclesiastes 7 verse 1 says, 'A good name is better than good oil.' I am convinced that Maureen made this good name/reputation with family, friends and those who listened to her wonderful music." Laws joined the recording on the lessor known tune 'Trav'lin' Light" which was one of Maureen's audience favorites over the years. Trumpeter and Chair of Brass at the Berklee College of Music, Sean Jones worked with Maureen countless times during the years he lived in Pittsburgh and lends his masterful soloing ability to the David Frishberg classic "Sweet Lover No More." The 89-year-old guitar legend, Joe Negri, known for his 30+ year as "Handyman Negri" on the Mister Rogers' Neighborhood TV, show plays a powerful duet with Maureen on the World War II classic "The White Cliffs of Dover." Joe served in WWII and this song is very meaningful to Joe, as it was to Maureen's father.

Maureen had a deep understanding of Brazilian music and spent many years perfecting songs to sing in Portuguese. The Antonio Carlos Jobim classic "Aquas De Marco" is a perfect example of Mo's ability to swing in the true Brazilian style. Producer and guitarist Marty Ashby and percussionist Lucas Ashby join in on this track to give the groove an authentic vibe.

Drummers James Johnson III and Thomas Wendt and bassists Paul Thompson and Jeff Grubbs, some of the great musicians from Pittsburgh who worked with Maureen over the past 20+ years, comprised the two rhythm sections on the album.

Maureen Budway was a renowned jazz vocalist and revered voice instructor and will be deeply missed as evident by the many hundreds that came to pay tribute to her after her passing. MCG Jazz and her family truly hope that this recording is heard by many so that they might share in the joy she so openly gave during every performance.

Sweet Candor (MCGJ 1043) will be released on February 17, 2015 on the MCG Jazz label.

About MCG Jazz:
MCG Jazz is a social enterprise supporting the education programs of the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, a nonprofit in Pittsburgh, PA whose mission is to preserve, present and promote jazz. In addition to presenting one of the nation's longest running jazz subscription series, the MCG Jazz label has won five GRAMMY Awards. For more information about Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, please visit their web site at www.mcgjazz.org.

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