Award Winning R&B/Jazz Vocalist
Mercedes Hall Vocal Instruction, Performance Coaching and Studio Recording Technique Singing instruction, performance coaching, mentoring and industry guidance with a singer, performer, songwriter and recording artist with over 30 years of professional experience. 2009
MERCEDES HALL
Vocal Instruction
574 West End Avenue Suite #4, New York N.Y. 10024 212-580-7923 fax: -7997 www.mercedeshall.com - ww.myspace.com/mercedeshall [email protected]
My name is Mercedes Hall. I would like to offer my services which include singing instruction, performance coaching, mentoring and industry guidance. I have been a singer, performer, songwriter and recording artist with over 30 years of professional experience. I have a stellar reputation within the industry, and have clients from all over the world, as far as Japan, Italy, London & Africa. My clientele ranges from teens to mature adults, with the core being ‘teens to 20’s demographic who are pursuing a POP/R&B recording career. Additionally, I have been the recipient of several club and live venue awards here in New York City for “Best R&B/Jazz Vocalist” and “Best Female Vocalist” and have given voice clinics and presentations at several schools including Teachers College at Columbia University, Chapman University Educational Program and Berklee School of Music where the founding members Alma and Lawrence Berk had invited me to teach full time. Over the years I have been involved in many projects ranging from Music and Art Programs for Inner City Kids to Choir directing here in New York City. Letters available upon request. Enclosed is a synopsis, if you will, of the technique I teach which is very popular within the recording industry. Major recording artists have trained with this technique. I have also worked with several major and independent recording labels over the years ... AND IT WORKS!!! I've personally been teaching it privately for over 10 years and in my 20 years of teaching I've come to realize that the "proof is in the pudding". It is by far the most understood and adaptable technique to date! Approach emphasizes Speech Based Singing a.k.a. SBS, which is exceptionally adaptable to a broad range of styles, because it DOES NOT force rigid technique. Develops voice free of clutter, manufactured sounds and overculture. Individual application of 17th century Italian Bel Canto Techniques originating in the Schola Cantorum, including an intimate understanding of Castratti techniques of vocal registration balance. SBS responds to both the immediate and structural problem of the individual singer including constriction caused by high larynx and the resultant inability of the vocal chord structure to allow easy pitch control and natural vowel formation in the throat. Techniques are successful for improving the voices of singers of almost all ages and are particularly effective rejuvenating senior and damaged voices. This technique is the forerunner in extending Bel Canto into Pop..(which includes everything from R&B, Jazz, pop, rock etc..all of today's music) as well as musical theatre and opera. .. When using this technique it produces greater vocal range and control which allows complete freedom to express feelings when singing a song. You never want to take away the personality and style of a singer...it's who that person is. (while some teachers, I'm told do this..perhaps unconsciously) my goal is to direct a singer towards a healthier, more extensive usage of his or her voice without losing that "special” quality that sets them apart. And while doing this I believe, instills confidence in my students, which I personally believe is a valuable asset to good teaching. This technique and my “nurturing abilities”, are what I feel is the hallmark of my success in gaining their trust and commitment to hard work. I can be contacted at 212.580.7923 or [email protected] and www.mercedeshall.com
Thank You -
Mercedes Hall The Voice Department welcomes acclaimed singer, songwriter and recording artist Mercedes Hall to Berklee as part of Voice Week activities for a clinic and Berklee Performance Center Concert.
With over 25 years experience in concerts, clubs, TV, Radio and film as both a singer and actress, Ms. Hall sings the full range of musical styles: R&B, Jazz, Blues & Pop, Latin and Brazilian music. She has taught privately in New York City, having trained artists for independent and major labels.
Mercedes Hall is the recipient of the NYC Bistro Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist and the first recipient of the Manhattan Association of Cabaret and Clubs Award as Best R&B /Jazz Vocalist.
Mercedes Hall’s clinic will include lecture and demonstration, a discussion of the application of vocal technique to contemporary vocal styles and an opportunity for dialogue with the audience members. Student vocalists are encouraged to bring music.
The evening concert will be accompanied by Randy Klein, Berklee alumnus and acclaimed music theater composer and jazz recording artist along with Bass Department Chair Rich Appleman and faculty drummer Rick Considine.
CLINIC:
1pm, The Lawrence & Alma Berk Recital Hall
CONCERT:
8:15pm, Berklee Performance Center
Voice Week Activities Sponsored by the Voice Department
GGRROOUUPP TTHHEEAATTRREE TTOOOO 467 West 164th Street ~ Dept. 3C ~ New York, NY 10032
Tel: 212-665-0360 ~ Fax: 509-471-6057 www.grouptheatretoo.org [email protected]
A theatre collective
Executive Producer Justin Boccitto
Artistic Director Michael Blevins
ARTISTIC ADVISORS
Honorary Board Nicole Fosse
Mallory Graham Bernard Kaplan Theodore Mann Bettye Morrow Chita Rivera Sue Samuels
Company Members
Jennifer Avila Victor Avila Sarah Bell
Daisy Castellucci Ryan DeFoe
Marybeth Fritzky Juli Greenberg Paul Gregorio Joe Harrington
Becky Hill Christopher Hoyt
Sandi Hoyt Phoebe Lehr
Ellen Noelle-Barron* Nicky Romaniello Peter Romaniello
Alisa Schiff* Dawne Swearingen*
Alex Tejero Stephanie Templin
Cristina Marie Vivenzio Nicole Wintemberg
*Denotes Member Actors’
Equity
GENERATION TAP Members
Michael Blevins Justin Boccitto Eddy Francisco
Nicky Romaniello
SCHOOL FOR YOUNG PERFOMERS Administrator
Juli Greenberg
SOCIAL AWARENESS THEATRE
Coordinator Dawne Swearingen
FILM DEVELOPMENT
Director Victor Avila
April 4, 2009 RE: MERCEDES HALL To whom it may concern: This is a letter of recommendation/introduction for Mercedes Hall. To better acquaint you with my background and qualifications to make such a recommendation please visit www.michaelblevins.com. I had the pleasure of meeting Mercedes Hall when I was working with the Special Children’s Theatre Project in New Jersey. This organization produced an original show COUNT TO TEN I had written. The production featured inner-city youths from the Weehawken/Union City, New Jersey area and a volunteer staff of musical theatre professionals including myself and Mercedes Hall. Mercedes was quite involved with the project and offered her expertise in many areas. She produced a televised Public Service Announcement for the show that also featured these inner-city youths and was directed by well-known film actor, Anthony Michael Hall. Her rapport with the children was excellent, as was the finished television spot. I understand she is a qualified music teacher with many years of experience working with children and adults. She is also a well-connected and consummate performer with a great deal of practical experience in the music industry, the performing arts, and arts education. It was a pleasure to collaborate and work with Ms. Hall on the Special Children’s Theatre Project. She was a model worker and tirelessly dedicated to our effort. She is a well-versed professional with an impeccable work ethic. I feel certain, without a doubt, Mercedes Hall, will be an excellent addition to your organization, and I cannot recommend this dedicated and talented individual highly enough. If you would like to discuss her many attributes in further detail please feel free to contact me directly at 212-665-8565 or through my website at www.michaelblevins.com. Mercedes and I sincerely appreciate your time and attention in reviewing this letter of introduction and recommendation. Sincerely,
Michael Blevins Artistic Director GROUP THEATRE TOO www.grouptheatretoo.org [email protected]
C H A P M A N U N I V E R S I T Y
Bobbi Fisher (714) 744-7953 ● FAX (714) 997-6685 Director of Development E-MAIL: [email protected] February 21st, 2007 To Whom It May Concern: I highly recommend Mercedes Hall-Chestaro for any position involving music education. It has been my great pleasure to know Mercedes for well over 6 years, and her energy and enthusiasm are boundless for learning and life. We have a music therapy program at Chapman University, and I am well aware music may be used in a therapeutic manner to help address the physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs of individuals. Mercedes is a compassionate and loving person, with inherent respect for everyone she works with. This respect translates to a natural zeal for diversity, and an inherent understanding of the power of music education. Music has been a lifelong passion for Mercedes, and her commitment to sharing her wealth of knowledge to society is exemplary. Not only is she an accomplished musician herself, she has been teaching music for over 20 years, understanding music can build attention span and verbalization in youth. Mercedes is able to teach music in profound ways, using it as a powerful tool to enrich lives. If you hire Mercedes for a position in music education, she will inspire everyone she works with and bring magic to your program. Sincerely,
Bobbi Fisher
Mary Anne Christopher 5009 Broadway #303 New York, NY 10034 Monday, April 19, 2009 To Whom It May Concern: I have known Mercedes Hall-Chestaro professionally and personally for over 20 years. During this time, I have come to know her as a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend. I am the director of the choir at St. Gregory the Great Church in New York City, and Mercedes has been an invaluable asset in assisting with musical direction, vocal arrangements, and recruiting and mentoring new members. She has an excellent rapport with people and is always encouraging and assisting singers to develop and expand their skills by teaching vocal techniques and arranging harmonies with group members. Additionally, Mercedes has faithfully donated her time in organizing and performing in fund raisers for the church. Mercedes brings to the choir not only her amazing vocal talents and beautiful singing voice but also an enthusiasm and love of music that inspires all of us. She gives 200% in all she does and is thorough, professional, honest and reliable. It has been a pleasure working and singing with Mercedes. Indeed she has been a gift to the St. Gregory's community and would be a vibrant asset in any musical or teaching environment. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at the above address or call me at, 212-567-2613.
Sincerely,
Mary Anne Christopher
STUDENT QUOTES Mercedes Hall has developed a totally new original dynamic vocal system that is specially designed to serve as a platform to uplift the student into a fully professional vocal career.
"When I wanted to work on my own vocals and presentation, I wanted a teacher who has stage experience. Mercedes Hall is that person. She also has a clear understanding of the human physiology needed to create sound and how to craft that sound into music. She has helped me improve myself as a solo performer as well as a band member.” Steve Bernstein / Publisher , Relix and Zenbu Media magazines / student
“Mercedes took my vocals to whole other level after working with me on my first hit album “World Clique”/Dee-Lite… I’m forever grateful for her teaching me the skills needed for singing, recording and performance.. Mercedes rocks !” Lady Kier / recording artist and performer “Mercedes Hall is a very passionate person who shares her knowledge freely. She is a very ‘hands on’ teacher.. with this technique you soon learn instinctively when you are using intrinsic muscles, or if you’re tensing when singing, or if you ‘hike’ (force-up) your larynx… This technique just makes it easier to monitor yourself for any of these problems when practicing… I am an R&B singer and Mercedes has helped me reach stratospheric heights with this technique… and I’ve also gained much more confidence from my sessions with her… Thanks Ms. M TK - student
Mercedes uses her techniques to allow her students not just the ability to sing but to differentiate and individualize their singing so that they have their own special voice. “Her method also gives you practice in the technical breathing scale exercises that eventually make your voice carry, not stridently but melodiously out to an audience. Mercedes Hall uses her voice based singing techniques to teach you to bring your own speaking voice to song. It feels organic and fun to sing her way. Her method also gives you practice in the technical breathing scale exercises that eventually make your voice carry, not stridently but melodiously out to an audience. Best of all, it isn't artificial; the sound you make is the way you normally talk, but in song. This helps to preserve the phrasing and feeling that some classic lyricists demand. Best of all, while being demanding this method allows the budding artist/singer to be playful too, with their voice. Mercedes is good company to have too, as a teacher. She makes lessons a pleasure.”
Kim Bendheim - student
Her technique builds up the voice instrument to allow the kind of strength needed for long recording sessions and brutal road tours, without any damage to the vocal chords. “I always look forward to my lesson with Mercedes (Hall). She is such an energetic and loving person who has taught me so much. Not only have I learned the speech level singing technique from her, but Mercedes has also taught me valuable studio techniques and live performance techniques that have given me an incredible amount of confidence in singing and being on stage. Recently, someone came up to me after a show and complimented me on something that I specifically remember Mercedes teaching me. That confirmed that her job had been done, and well.” Christine Lucas - student "I can’t imagine how I would be singing without learning the speech-level technique from Mercedes. She was able to bring out a stronger, efficient, and more mature voice. She teaches you not only how to sing beautifully without straining, but also how to perform with improvisation, attitude, and feeling. She helped me add life and originality to my songs and did so with enthusiasm. “She is more than a vocal coach. Her versatile style inspires her students and she instills confidence in their abilities. She is very welcoming and attentive and always teaches with a smile. Mercedes gives 100% of her knowledge and herself to her students, all of whom she calls friend." Jaci Lee - student "First and foremost Mercedes has taught me how to develop my own vocal style which has helped me with my singing and songwriting career immensely. Many teachers can show you proper technique, but Mercedes not only teaches you great technique but also allows you to develop your own style and vocal originality as well. On top of her outstanding teaching she is also an amazing artist and person. I recommend any vocalist who wants to become an artist to study with her.” Anjelia Pelay / ‘Anjelia & The Boy, student
Mercedes Hall uses her voice based singing techniques to teach you to bring your own speaking voice to song “Mercedes technique freed my voice and smoothed the edges. I received benefits from her exercises for years to come.” Sherry Crespin - student “Mercedes Hall is an absolute great teacher, she has helped me find and create my own style, which has enormously enhanced my live performance Being taught by Mercedes to use her technique has made me not only a better singer,but it also in sense made my style of singing unique. She is a fanominal teacher who is caring and understands you as not just a performer but as a person. I worked with her when I was sixteen, I'm twenty two now and still using her teachings everyday. Thank you Mercedes,,,,,, I'm thankful to have had you as my teacher and as my friend”. Jesse Stearn - student “I am one of your former students from the late 1980's. I was chatting with someone today and I told them what a PHENOMENAL instructor you were and how you taught me about vocal stylization. I raved about you and the person asked me where you were so we decided to Google you. I was pleasantly surprised to see you on the web. I took about 5 lessons with you before I relocated to another state, but those 5 lessons taught me more than I ever received from anyone else. I am still singing, and I want to say THANK YOU for great lessons taught and great lessons learned.” Michelle Donnell - student “If you want the best voice teacher in town check out my friend Mercedes Hall. She is AMAZING!!! Talented, patient and an excellent teacher you cannot ask for a better combination!” James Corbett – student
Visit www.mercedeshall.com or contact Mercedes 212-580-7923
MERCEDES HALL
QUOTES “Pure Emotion should be her breakthrough album in the jazz world for it features her sounding effortless as she sings a wide variety of material, many of which utilize the colorful arrangements of her pianist Glafkos Kontemeniotis. No matter how challenging the arrangements are, Mercedes Hall sounds inventive, expressive and relaxed. Pure Emotion is highly recommended.” - Scott Yanow / LA Jazz Scene "Hall, who delves into every song with energetic involvement, possesses a wide-ranging interest in musical styles, and she develops her own distinctive interpretations for each of them...Hall & Company stretch some of the words/notes to unexpected lengths or collapse a phrase in rapid-fire articulation before her wildly entertaining scat singing." - Bill Donaldson / Jazz Improv - NY Jazz Guide “Pure Emotion is unquestionably a thoroughly enjoyable album of beautiful jazz. With graceful passion and an elegant style, Mercedes Hall provides the kind of performance you would expect from the title of this album. The lady possesses a powerful and distinctive voice that makes her a one of a kind musical wonder.” - Ed Blanco / EJazz News "Pure Emotion is the aptly titled new release from vocalist Mercedes Hall. She sounds like a singer who has done a lot of living, knows exactly where she wants to go with each number, and gets there with confidence and a great sense of style. Her primary musical companions here are pianist/arranger Galfkos Kontemeniotis, bassist Frank Wagner, and drummer Kazi McCoy, with occasional contributions by Jerry Dodgion and Arturo O’Farrill, among others. Hall’s voice is dark, yet flexible, and she exudes a jazz sensitivity with a touch of soul. Her program is exemplary with terrific songs like “Ghost of a Chance,” “The Masquerade Is Over,” “Well You Needn’t,” “Satan Never Sleeps “That Old Black Magic” and Black Coffee.” Her take on “Black Magic” includes a scat interlude that fits perfectly. This is an interesting album by a unique singer.” - Joe Lang / Jersey Jazz Magazine "Mercedes Hall is an ANOMALY... her sound quality, phrasing and feeling are more likely to conjure up memories of Dinah Washington or Aretha Franklin...There is nothing simulated or contrived about the soulful conviction and intensity she brings to a set of contemporary songs." - Leonard Feather L.A. Times Jazz Critic "Mercedes Hall sings with a range of emotions, coupled with grace, wit and genuine passion. Her latest album "Pure Emotion" is a tribute to her wide variety of styles and genres, each offered in her own unique, inimitable style. It is refreshing to hear a singer put such a personal stamp on such a diverse group of jazz classics." - Arranger, Composer, Musician/ Arturo O'Farrill "...Mercedes Hall sings just about the purest soul to come out of a Caucasian mouth ...Ms. Hall is a wicked generator of moods, has superb phrasing and musicianship." - Will Tusher, Hollywood Reporter "In my lifetime experience playing with singers, many of whom constantly strive for individuality, Mercedes Hall has few peers when it comes to that rare combination of spirit and energy- which does indeed help to define her very own true identity". - Arranger, Composer, Musician / Jerry Dodgion
"Hall's album "Somewhere In The Night," a marvelously melodic collection of steamy jazz love songs, eight of which were written by Hall. One notable cut is the classic, "Walk On By," and Hall's sultry treatment is a singular achievement. It's obvious that the comparisons to such jazz and blues stars as Dinah Washington, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin, which Hall has earned, are well founded." - Jay Miller / Patriot Ledger-Boston "Electric, Lustful Rhythm and Blues…" "Hall stakes a strong claim to being the leading white singer of rhythm and blues...With her dazzling range, cultured voice and stellar presence, Mercedes Hall puts on a show that builds energy like an atomic pile approaching critical mass." - New York Post "Mercedes can sing, but more she can perform...I look at AC today and there are fewer and fewer format exclusive artists. We need a performer like her on our playlist. - Radio consultant Mike McVay, McVay Media "It's always exciting to be in on the discovery of a new talent......a pop singer with remarkable vocal and artistic range and a presentation that should propel her onto the top ranks once word of her star quality gets around...." - Lloyd Moss on WQXR-FM NYC "Her style, her vocal range, her choice of material, (much of which she writes herself) all blend to create a talent of so much potential that if carefully honed could well emerge as a potent musical force." - Billboard "...Mercedes is a singer of remarkable originality, warmth and power... She takes chances with unorthodox approaches, giving audiences a roller-coaster ride through the human soul.” - Backstage "MERCEDES HALL is the dream-vocalist for any musician to collaborate with. She has a divine rhythmic sense, immaculate pitch, is fearless in an atmosphere of improvisation, and she hears and inspires the creative efforts of everyone in the mix. Add to that, she is a wonderfully engaging entertainer with heartfelt, soulful connection to the music and the people around her. She is a true artist and a warm-spirited friend." - Lanny Meyers, Arranger, Composer, and Musician "Hall's voice can be a gravelly, almost raspy growl, then sails up the scale to heights of grandeur that are stratospheric and awesome. She is a flawless technician with a melodic line and a sublime example of an artist capable of making every song her own. Her phrasing is definitive R &u B at its best, with musical sensibilities that are pure jazz." - John Hoglund, NY Native
By Annie Simmons What can you say about Mercedes Hall? I didn’t know what to expect when I caught her first act at Kitano in mid-May. When the lights dimmed, her trio, Glafkos Kontemeniotis on piano, bassist Gaku Takanashi, and Kazi McCoy on drums started playing the first tune. I was amazed at how incredibly quiet this trio was, yet they were swinging like nobody’s business. This was a well-honed unit and the perfect accompaniment to Ms. Hall. I was thinking that this was going to be a quiet, intimate evening, when Mercedes walked up to the band, announced herself, and let the party begin. While her distinct voice is enough to separate her out from the pack of jazz vocalists, Mercedes Hall is a consummate entertainer. In the hour-long set, the audience got all of Hall: an actress, a polished song stylist and a comedienne. Hall became one with the lyrics and made all of the nine songs her own—you would think that she wrote them all. Her chatty banter between songs was entertaining and had the audience feel like Hall was their best friend and she was having a private party just for her friends Hall opened with the brassy, blues number, “Someone Else Is Steppin’ In,” where you got a big dose of attitude. Hall sang, scatted, mumbled and told a story. Bassist Takanashi laid down a funky bass line for the Ellington number, “Everything But You.” The Burke/Van Heusen tune “But Beautiful” was done as a Bossa with Hall bending notes. Kontemeniotis on piano is absolutely stunning and his solo on this tune made you not want it to end. Kontemeniotis also arranges the songs allowing Hall’s true essence to be brought to each song. “The Masquerade Is Over” was done as a slow ballad. The band played so quietly behind Hall that her passionate voice emoted such pain—the song became almost operatic in it’s intensity, with Kontemeniotis’ velvety piano swirling around Hall’s subtle voicings. Other memorable songs was a soulful rendition of “Black Coffee” with a killer bass solo by Takanashi and the title track from Hall’s latest CD, Chico O’Farrill’s “Pure Emotion”, a Bossa that was arranged by Arturo O’Farrill. Kudos to Kontemeniotis and the band. The Kitano is an intimate, acoustically perfect room and these artists created music that even the walls were thrilled to absorb. What can you say about Mercedes Hall? Brassy. Sassy. Entertaining. Witty. A powerhouse of emotion and a consummate jazz artist. She makes you feel, yet you lose yourself at the same time. What a treat...the real deal.
June 2007
Mercedes Hall pure emotion Christopher Loudon Any discussion of Boston bred songstress Mercedes Hall inevitably includes the fact that she is the mother of film and TV star Anthony Michael Hall. However, what isn't mentioned nearly as often is that she was earning her oats with TV gigs and cross country club dates long before her offspring became a marquee name. So don't dare think of her as some late blooming dilettante who's decided to ride her son's coat-tails to fame. Nor could you when you hear her arresting sound - an espresso - rich blend of Dinah Washington sass, Lena Horne sophistication and Cleo Laine musicality, a voice made all the more disconcerting when you realize it's pouring forth from a diminutive redhead with sparkling blue eyes. Shaping the majority of these 14 tracks in tandem with pianist and arranger Glafkos Kontemeniotis (a name I'd never previously heard but, after this, want to hear a lot more from). Hall knows how to work a standard like nobody's business. Just listen to the sizzle of her "Ghost of a Chance," the percolated heat of her "Lover Man," the wicked wizardry of her "That Old Black Magic" and the jungle fever of her "What IS This Thing Called Love." Then thank her for the brilliant idea of getting Arturo O'Farrill to ignite the flame, as arranger and pianist beneath the shimmering title track. Oh, and bless her for unearthing the Harold Adamson - Leo McCarey-Harry Warren rarity "Satan Never Sleeps" and reminding us just how devilishly intoxicating it is.
© Cadence Magazine July 2007
MERCEDES HALL PURE EMOTION WEST END JAZZ 102 Ghost of A Chance / Gee Baby / Pure Emotion / What Is This Thing Called Love / The Masquerade Is Over / Love Man / Well You Needn’t / Someone Else Is Steppin’ In / Nature Boy / Satan Never Sleeps / Everything But You / That Old Black Magic / Black Coffee / You’ve Changed. Hall, vcl; Glafkos Kontemeniotis, Arturo O’Farrill, p, arr; Frank Wagner, b; Kazi McCoy, d; Nate Birkey, tpt, flgh; Jerry Dodgion, as, flt; Peter Brainin, ts; Bashiri Johnson, perc; David Moreno, g. July, 2006, NYC, NY. Finally! Someone has given “Nature Boy” the burlesque undressing it has so richly deserved for ever so long. Mercedes Hall uses tremolo squeals and some mock-opera vocalese to tell us what she thinks of my acupuncturist’s favorite song, with Jerry Dodgion’s chirpy flute sealing the deal. But even without Dodgion’s rain forest twitters, Ms. H’s vocal would crack me up. Here is a singer who could make good use of a music hall stage on which to display her vocal proclivities. As I listened to the generous hour and ten minutes of music on this CD, I thought I caught “samples” of everyone from Elaine Strich to Jo Anne Worley, from Anita O’Day to Dinah Washington, and from Babs Gonzales to Anna Russell, with stops at Carol Channing, Marlene Ver Planck, Pearl Bailey, Billie Holiday, Laila Dalseth, and Betty Carter. Ms. Hall has a soprano voice of such elasticity that she is a veritable vocal chameleon, and you might be left to wonder what the real singer is all about. She can sing unison scat with her pianist/co-producer, Glafkos Kontemeniotis, or make what you could imagine as gravely cave woman sounds. She can mumble through her scat (“Steppin’ In”) like a demented dervish, or turn it manic (“Black Magic”) enough to sound like she’s warning of an incipient zombie revolt. I’m going out on a limb when I say that her reading of Duke’s “Everything” is as straight as she gets, and it’s a masterful track, with some tasty muted Nate Birkey trumpet and blowsy Pete Brainin tenor helping it along. She uses her exaggeratedly broad vibrato in the course of rescuing Harry Warren’s cautionary “Satan Never Sleeps” lyric from the Tin Pan Alley dustbin. Birkey is allotted some stretch-out room for his muted musings on “Coffee,” and Ms. H. delivers as ripe a rendition of the song as has yet to be documented. She opens “Changed” with its unjustifiably neglected verse and fashions a performance that owes a bit to both Dinah and Billie. She sings the Mike Ferro lyrics for Monk’s “Needn’t” which—technically—transforms it into “It’s Over Now,” in a daringly percussive and dissonant arrangement. Her scat passages are almost worthy of O’Day. On the opening “Ghost” she plays with meter, alternately speeding up, slowing down. Her unpredictability is one of her prime assets and it makes this a CD with more than its share of surprises, just a few of which, such as the vocalese deconstruction of “What Is This Thing,” don’t exactly gel, but—what the heck!— on the whole, this is a very entertaining and often exciting recital, by a vocalist with her own unique slant(s) on the vocal art.
www.cadencebuilding.com Alan Bargebuhr ph: 315-287-2852
Pure Emotion by Edward Blanco
New York-based vocalist Mercedes Hall releases her second album with Pure Emotion revealing an inner passion behind the music she presents. An accomplished singer with a unique style of her own, Hall evokes comparisons with the great Billie Holliday and Dinah Washington. She is the type of singer that lets it all hang out holding nothing back, in essence voicing songs with feelings and yes, "Pure Emotions." This album was inspired in part a result of her personal friendship with the late Cuban-born Chico O'Farrill, a catalyst of the Afro-Cuban jazz movement in New York's jazz scene. In fact the title cut is an O'Farrill chart arranged by son Arturo who also plays piano on the track and on the album. Hall completes the tribute to O'Farrill by adding romantic lyrics to the bossa nova shaded melody expressed with grit and fire by the singer in what turns out to be, in this reviewer's opinion, the best number on the album. The repertoire contains 14 songs of some familiar tunes given new treatment by the vocalist's uncommon but mesmerizing singing style and vocal range. The program begins with Victor Young's "Ghost of A Chance," that changes tempo several times and is warmly accompanied by pianist and producer Glafkos Kontemeniotis. Then there's Cole Porter's classic "What Is This Thing Called Love," arranged as a samba in such a unique fashion one can hardly believe it's Porter's standard. Hall warms to the light ballad of "The Masquerade Is Over" delivering a sensuous performance. If you listen closely to her rendition of "Lover Man," you may hear a bit of the Billie Holliday style. Turning bluesy, Hall hits some high notes before singing the blues on "Someone Else Is Steppin' In" complete with a little scatting. Another outstanding track, is the spicy and very jazzy version of the Arlen/Mercer immortal tune "That Old Black Magic," with some more scatting and a nice solo from Jerry Dodgion on the tenor. She finishes with a softer and misty interpretation of "You've Changed," featuring a delicious piano solo. Besides the three players previously mentioned, the personnel includes Frank Wagner(bass), Kazi McCoy(drums), Nate Birkey( trumpet, flugelhorn), Peter Brainin (tenor), Bashiri Johnson (percussion) and David Moreno (guitar). Pure Emotion is unquestionably a thoroughly enjoyable album of beautiful light jazz. With graceful passion and an elegant style, Mercedes Hall provides the kind of performance you would expect from the title of this album. The lady possesses a powerful and distinctive voice that makes her a one of a kind musical wonder.
March 2007 By Bill Donaldson “Mercedes Hall’s second album, Pure Emotion, had its origins in her first one, Somewhere in the Night. Initially, Chico O’Farrill had arranged his song, “Pure Emotion”, for that CD, but the composition wasn’t used because it was out of place in the album’s smooth jazz format. Now, with Arturo O’Farrill’s permission—and indeed, with his participation by arranging the song and by playing piano on the track—the singer has made “Pure Emotion” the centerpiece of her latest recording. Hall, who delves into every song with energetic involvement, possesses a wide-ranging interest in musical styles, and she develops her own distinctive interpretations for each of them. The bossa nova feel of “Pure Emotion”, enhanced by Jerry Dodgion’s flute work that’s interwoven with her singing, provides just one instance of Hall’s stylistic variations. Light and romantic, the careful treatment of the song belies the suggested intensity of the title, particularly when Dodgion plays his delicately conceived flute solo. At the opposite end of the spectrum of song stylings is Hall’s bawdy, forceful version of “Someone Else Is Steppin’ In”, during which she informs the object of her laying-it-on-the-line that she has moved on without regret. Hall has obvious enjoyment in delivering the song, enlivened from the start by the syncopation of her upper-register improvisation that contrasts with her mid-range delivery of the lyrics. “Someone Else Is Steppin’ In” is made even more effective by the irresistible band’s shuffle rhythm, from which trumpeter Nate Birkey breaks loose with wahwahing eloquence. Indeed, more than infusing a song with humor and interest, Hall appears to be unable to restrain herself, as if she inhabits the song and feels its emotion as she sings it. “That Old Black Magic”, rather than being a languid heard-that-before rehash, charges to its conclusion, as Hall & Company stretch some of the words/notes to unexpected lengths or collapse a phrase in rapid-fire articulation before her wildly entertaining scat singing. “Much of Hall’s imaginative treatment of the songs derives from pianist Glafkos Kontemeniotis’s arrangements, which are written to highlight Hall’s vocal strengths and her musical interests. “What Is This Thing Called Love” offers a challenging introduction that would daunt lesser singers as Hall asserts the wordless percussive accents that charge the piece with excitement. It turns out that the “What Is This Thing Called Love” is percussive throughout as a long section of the track shift s to drummer Kazi McCoy and percussionist Bashiri Johnson as they suggest a Brazilian carnival street march. Still, Hall knows how to shape a ballad so that the emotional core comes across, as on “You’ve Changed”, a well-written song that integrates the lyrics’ expression of anguished disappointment with the dynamic highs and lows of the melody. Hall takes full advantage of the song’s possibilities, including the verse’s set-up of the lyrical situation, through the effective use of her broad range, not to mention rising to a concluding swoop at the end of a phrase or breaking her voice at an appropriate thought. Beyond Hall’s fortunate release of two albums after decades of an on-again, off -again musical career, she has been involved in movies, theater, television and radio throughout her intriguing life. Most famously, she is the mother of actor Anthony Michael Hall of the movie The Breakfast Club, in which she played the role of, appropriately enough, her son’s mother. After putting her own career on hold throughout some of the 1980’s to manage her son’s, she has returned to claim the attention she deserves, now that Mr. Hall is the successful actor and a producer of The Dead Zone. Not only is Mrs. Hall having the time of her life with her return to high-profile engagements and renewed interest in her talent, but also listeners are benefiting from her total immersion into her music—a quality that can be perceived even from her albums. Mercedes Hall’s memorable live performances no doubt capture the hearts and minds of her listeners even more securely than do her recordings.”
by Joe Lang "Pure Emotion is the aptly titled new release from vocalist Mercedes Hall. She sounds like a singer who has done a lot of living, knows exactly where she wants to go with each number, and gets there with confidence and a great sense of style. Her primary musical companions here are pianist/arranger Galfkos Kontemeniotis, bassist Frank Wagner, and drummer Kazi McCoy, with occasional contributions by Jerry Dodgion and Arturo O’Farrill, among others. Hall’s voice is dark, yet flexible, and she exudes a jazz sensitivity with a touch of soul. Her program is exemplary with terrific songs like “Ghost of a Chance,” “The Masquerade Is Over,” “Well You Needn’t,” “Satan Never Sleeps “That Old Black Magic” and Black Coffee.” Her take on “Black Magic” includes a scat interlude that fits perfectly. This is an interesting album by a unique singer.”
Mercedes Hall Pure Emotion West End Jazz By Scott Yanow Mercedes Hall has years of experience singing jazz, pop music, blues r&b, on club dates and studio work. Pure Emotion should be her breakthrough album in the jazz world for it features her sounding effortless as she sings a wide variety of material, many of which utilize the colorful arrangements of her pianist Glafkos Kontemeniotis. She also arranged four songs herself. The program begins with Mercedes and her rhythm section alternating between three different tempos on "Ghost Of A Chance." Along the way one hears a soulful "Gee Baby Ain't I Good To You," a rendition of "Pure Emotion" that is arranged by Arturo O'Farrill (who sits in on piano), an unusual samba version of "What Is This Thing Called Love," a very pretty rendition of "This Masquerade Is Over," an adventurous interpretation of Thelonius Monk's "Well You Needn't," the obscure "Satan Never Sleeps," "You've Changed" and five other songs. In addition to the rhythm section, there are several featured guests including veteran Jerry Dodgion on alto and flute, trumpeter Nate Birkey and tenor-saxophonist Peter Brainin. Although most of the songs are familiar, these treatments contain many surprises. No matter how challenging the arrangements are, Mercedes Hall sounds inventive, expressive and relaxed. Pure Emotion is highly recommended and available from mercedeshall.com.
