(New York, NY June 22, 2010) –Linda Ciofalo makes her West Coast tour to sing selections from her latest CD, Dancing With Johnny. Ciofalo understands how to deliver a great lyric and on Dancing With Johnny, a special tribute to Johnny Mercer, she shines. Since Mercer is known for his endless brilliance as a first class writer of over 1,000 songs, Ciofalo is breath taking in her element. The songs showcase her tasteful vocal style and Ciofalo allows the strength of the material to serve as the musical foundation upon which her strong, yet distinct vocals sit comfortably as the centerpiece of this timeless collection of standards. But what makes this recording even more rewarding is that all of the compositions have a Latin twist that spark the desire to move to each memorizing Mercer lyric. Deep rooted in the South, Mercer’s award winning songs paint exquisite images of nature, romance, haunting memories and love. “Johnny Mercer’s lyrics dance on a singer’s lips,” said Ciofalo. “His words are intoxicating and a sheer pleasure to sing.”
Dancing With Johnny also features Grammy winner Brian Lynch (trumpet) and stellar musicians such as John DiMartino (piano), John Benitez (bass), Ernesto Simpson (drums), Little Johnny Rivero (percussion), Paul Meyers (nylon string guitar), Chieli Minucci (electric guitar and effects) and Joel Frahm (saxophones). The Mercer material is a welcome addition to Ciofalo's repertoire, which ranges from such diverse sources as bluesman John Lee Hooker to Broadway’s Rodgers and Hammerstein. What a bold statement to her versatility that her voice can be both hard-hitting and gutsy or lend itself to pure romance. Andrea Canter of JazzPolice.com writes, "Her vibrant swing can turn gloom into joy; her storyteller’s passion recounts love lost and found; her voice moves easily from sultry to salty to sassy.”
Stops on her West Coast tour include Tula’s in Seattle (June 25), Jazzvox Concert with Randy Halberstadt in Camano Island, WA (June 27), Rasselas Jazz Club with the David Udolf Trio in San Francisco (June 29) and on July 1st at the Crowne Plaza in the Brasserie Jazz Lounge where Linda will be joined by some of Los Angeles's premier musicians, Otmaro Ruiz (piano), John Belzaguy (bass) and Jimmy Branly (drums).
Linda’s love for Mercer songs started early on when she had to learn songs for a big band and after being introduced to the famous Mercer hit “Skylark” she was swept away because of the beauty of the lyrics. “Singers have a special gift,” said Ciofalo in a recent interview “because we get to use words along with the music. In fact, it’s our job to deliver those lyrics with emotion and sincerity.” Linda has been devoted to Mercer’s music doing programs for many years that feature the great artist’s lyrics and music. She was hoping to release this CD on his centennial but just missed it by one year. Commented Ciofalo,“It was my intent to tribute Johnny Mercer with a recording which is both romantic and moving. We hope it will make your heart feel like dancing” For more information go to, www.LindaCiofalo.com
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