Bill Cunliffe

Music: Andy James "Tu Amor" Out Now!

Available now on All Streaming Platforms

https://foundation-media.ffm.to/tuamor

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When Andy James sings, she doesn’t simply cover a song, she inhabits it. Rather than merely reciting the lyrics, she seems to place herself within their context. There’s a sense which natural singers possess, allowing them to make unplanned decisions and execute tonal shifts while already at the microphone. Whereas musicians are afforded at least some small margin for error and recovery, a vocalist isn’t quite so fortunate. A single note, rendered at the wrong pitch, becomes a glaringly obvious mistake. James, used to the arduous demands of a former life spent as an internationally renowned flamenco dancer, maintains an admirable level of control; she dances as close to the tension line as possible, without crossing its threshold.



Of course, it helps to have friends in the right places. In Bill Cunliffe she has found not only a pianist, but an arranger; someone for whom the responsibility of each album’s musical direction is paramount. The Grammy-winner’s versatility allows him to seamlessly transition the band away from the post-bop, basement jazz club mood of James’ previous effort, entitled Blue, to a rollicking new celebration of Latin influences in jazz. From its pastel-streaked cover to the bossa nova and cha-cha rhythms ingrained amongst its track list to the ever present guiros and cowbells, Tu Amor marries the excitement of James’ dance background with the fundamental intricacy of jazz.



It was inevitable that these influences would manifest themselves within and throughout her career, but it is on Tu Amor that they become fully prominent. She acknowledged the album’s connection to both art forms, stating that “it enabled me to touch on all the rhythms of both styles to which I wasn't able to express on my former albums.” Among others, “Perfidia” and “Call Me” play to the Latin jazz theme, with the latter being an opportunity for James to croon Petula Clark’s familiar lyrics with a smile evident in her voice. This is where the singer excels, clearly having a good time with her band while taking serious the demands of her chosen material. One of the most enjoyable factors of this album is that it allows her more opportunity to loosen up and take a lighthearted approach to the music.



Her commitment to that mindset offers up one of the album’s seemingly endless little surprises in “Papa Loves Mambo.” The wacky, upbeat tune, made famous by Perry Como and Nat “King” Cole, was due for a woman’s touch. Sobering significantly, the singer offers a concession to the traditional love ballad in Mancini’s “Loss of Love,” replete with mournful horn section and a gentle rhythm kept at Vinnie Colaiuta’s drum kit. James seems at ease working with slower material, perfectly articulating the lyrics’ plaintive subject matter. 



The entire mood of Tu Amor radiates outward from its not-quite-centrally located title track, written by Peruvian percussionist Alex Acuña, whose contributions are quite overt throughout the album. Taking advantage of the freedom given to them, the band, now ten strong, brings the theme to its culmination with “Evil Ways,” one of Carlos Santana’s most recognizable tunes. Cunliffe splits the melody with the rhythm section, organically bringing a classic rock staple into the jazz fold. In another of those little surprises, Andy James demonstrates that the mark of a great singer is modesty, setting aside her microphone for both of the performances, the former being utilized as a palate-cleansing denouement.



If not modesty or perfectionism, perhaps Andy James’ finest trait is versatility. Since boxing up her dancing shoes late in the 2000s, she has recorded four individual albums, each of its own distinct personality. As tempted as we listeners are to look eagerly to the future, let us restrain our attentions to the present - to Tu Amor, and endless little surprises.



 PETER J. HOETJES



Music Andy James New Album “Tu Amor“

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Le Coq Records announces the upcoming Andy James album “Tu Amoravailable on all music streaming platforms on January 22, 2021. An upbeat jazz album with an impressive repertoire of guest musicians (John Patitucci, Vinnie Colaiuta, Alex Acuna, Dan Higgins and Bill Cunliffe just to name a few. Tracks reminiscent of classic singers such as Billie Holiday and Etta Fitzgerald. Andy James brings her soulful style to life with flawless renditions of beloved jazz melodies are told through the singer's own style that deserves to be played loud and live. Fans of traditional jazz and masterful mixing will appreciate Tu Amor and Andy James' classic but unique and emotional voice.

(Photos) Le Coq Records Jazz Series Presents: John Patitucci Quartet w/ Special Guest Andy James & Alex Acuña Live at Myrons Jazz Cabaret

Le Coq Records brought you a cache of the most remarkable and noteworthy jazz talents at Myrons Jazz Cabaret inside the Smith Center . John Patitucci Quartet featuring John Beasley (piano), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (drums), and Ralph Moore (Saxophone). Along with singer extraordinaire, Andy James, sang a curated lineup of classic jazz hits that left the crowd tapping your toes and grinning ear to ear. Musical director, Bill Cunliffe, lead the band of heavy hitters: Alex Acuña, Marvin "Smitty" Smith, Chris Colangelo, Ralph Moore, Michael Dease, Kye Palmer, and Vegas names Jake Langley, Charles McNeal.

(Video) "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" (Lyric Videos) | Andy James

Critically Acclaimed singer Andy James w/ Grammy Award Winner Music Arranger Bill Cunliffe along with Charles McNeal on Saxsaphone brings you a Marvin Gaye classic rendition of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" Lyric Video off her latest Album "BLUE" available now https://foundation-media.ffm.to/blue

(Video) "The Look of Love" (Lyric Videos) | Andy James

Critically Acclaimed singer Andy James w/ Grammy Award Winner Bill Cunliffe along with Terell Stafford on trumpet and Michael Dease on trombone bring to you "The Look of Love" Lyric Video off her latest Album "BLUE" available now on all music platforms

(Music) Andy James New Album "BLUE"

Andy James & Music Director, Bill Cunliffe, does it again with her latest album,” Blue”. A perfect tonic for Andy James smoky knowing sound, bringing every nuance effervescently to the listener. Alex Acuña, Marvin Smitty” Smith, Michael Dease, Terell Stafford, Rick Margitza, Jake Langley, Charles McNeal, and Chris Colangelo all contribute incredibly beautiful genius to the project, Andy’s third LP release entitled “BLUE” out now on all music services platforms.

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(Photos) Andy James and her All Star Band Live at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Jazz Fest

Andy James along with her All Star Band (Bill Cunliffe, Jake Langley, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Chris Colangelo, Alex Acūna, Charles McNeal, Kye Palmer. Performed at The Muckenthaler Cultural Center Jazz Fest in Fullerton, CA . Check out the photo gallery (Photos by Santiago Interiano)

(Photos) Andy James and her All Star Band Live at Vibrato Grill Jazz

Andy James along with her All Star Band (Bill Cunliffe, Jake Langley, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Chris Colangelo, Alex Acūna, Charles McNeal, Kye Palmer, Recently performed at Grammy winning music icon Herb Alpert's premiere jazz club in Los Angeles Vibrato . Check out the photo gallery (Photos by Santiago Interiano)

(Photos/Video) Andy James and her All Star Band Live at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz

Andy James and her All Star Band recently performed at the popular Jazz Eclectic Concert Series inside the Myron’s Cabaret Jazz in Las Vegas for Vol. 5 presented by 91.5FM KUNV. Check out the Photos and Videos below.

(PHOTOS) Andy James & The All Star Band @ Yoshi's Jazz Club

Andy James made her Yoshi’s debut with renowned music director and arranger BILL CUNLIFFE and her legendary band including Chris Colangelo (Bass), Jake Langley (Guitar), Marvin “Smitty” Smith (Drums), Kye Palmer (Trumpet), Charles McNeal (Alto Sax), and Brandon Fields (Tenor Sax). Check out the photos below

(PHOTOS) ANDY JAMES & The All Star Band LIVE @ Catalina Jazz Club

ANDY JAMES & The All Star Band (Bill Cunliffe, Jake Langley, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Chris Colangelo, Alex Acūna, Charles McNeal and Kye Palmer) recently performed to a sold out room at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA. Check out the photo gallery (Photos by Santiago Interiano)