BLD Productions: Barbara Levy Daniels Announces New CD “Come Dance With Me” A Tribute To Jimmy Van Heusen

Jazz Vocalist Barbara Levy Daniels is on the softly swinging side of the Great American Songbook. Her new CD is a tribute to Jimmy Van Heusen, featuring his music and lyrics from Sammy Cahn, Johnny Mercer, Johnny Burke and Eddie Delange.

Jazz Singer Barbara Levy Daniels “… not only sings, she mesmerizes … Her voice is mellow and rich, true to pitch, full of expression, the old standards feel so right with Barbara, that they seem like old lovers. She is sensationally communicative.” --Grady Harp, Amazon.com

This new CD is gently swinging, engaging and forthright, the musicians are tasty and Ms. Daniels voice speaks with the worldly resonance of a life well lived. Each song on the CD proclaims a facet of love and relationship, the lyrics penetrating each phase of our partnerships from beginning romance to the second time around loves. Her long and successful career as a family counselor and therapist with a busy practice in Buffalo, NY, Ms. Levy Daniels has no doubt listened to the ins and outs of love in many a session. Returning to her lifelong passion, music, and specifically, singing, Daniels has authority in the love department. 

Ms. Daniels has been recording since the age of 15 when she was scouted by Ray Charles and signed her first recording contract. Then known as Barbara Lyons, she recorded some of Carole Kings early songs. Her 14 year old voice is featured on the “Chubby’s Rascals” children’s show singing a tune called “I’m So Glad I’m Me”. More recordings followed with arrangements by Dick Weiss of Bobby Darin’s “Mack The Knife” fame, a children’s album of songs produced by Woody Herman’s bass player, Chubby Jackson, and pop material arranged by Sid Feller, Dakota Staton’s arranger for many years. For jazz and cabaret afficionados, Daniels brings a wealth of emotion, a voice that is weathered and wise, full of irony and pathos. 

Her band on this recording includes John diMartino (piano and musical director), Boris Kozlov (bass), Shinnosuke Takahashi (drums) with special guests, Gene Bertoncini (guitar) and Houston Person (Tenor Saxophone). They provide world class accompaniment and brilliant interpretations of the classic Van Heusen/Mercer collaboration “I Thought About You,” along with eleven more songs every Great American Songbook music lover knows by heart.

Along with her lifetime of experience, her renditions of “All My Tomorrows” and “Come Dance With Me” convey warmth, wisdom and a buoyancy of spirit that encourages the heart and soul to live, love and enjoy life. Those who have traveled life’s ins and outs will find this new CD both comforting and refreshing and repeated listening reveals subtle nuances of interpretation in the true jazz fashion.

Houston Person is forever linked with the great Etta Jones and from that experience he understands a vocalist in a way very few horn players are able to do. Always supporting the vocal line, never treading on the melody, his warm caress with the tenor saxophone adds a distinctive flavor to the whole project.  Along with guitarist Gene Bertoncini’s finesse, this recording is a relaxing blend of musical spice. 

Pianist, Musical Director and Arranger, John diMartino, a New York secret among the most in the know singers, brings his impeccable taste and sensitive playing to the forefront. He creates a kaleidoscopic palette for Ms.Daniels to dance with, and in classic musical style, each song is rendered with spirit and musical mastery.

Ms. Daniels says of this project: “I chose the music of Jimmy Van Heusen because I have been singing this music for a very long time, even as a young performer. I especially like the simple but meaningful lyrics that match beautifully with the sophisticated yet uncomplicated music.  It was also the 100th birthday of Jimmy Van Heusen so it seemed a great idea to celebrate with a CD. My favorite song on this project (and hence, the name of the CD) is Come Dance with Me. I love the snappy rhythm and the comparison with dancing and 'making love set to music.' What a great visual that makes. It is my hope to continue performing in my hometown, Buffalo, in addition to performing in other cities and venues where my music is loved and appreciated.”

Ms. Daniels performs regularly in New York City and her hometown of Buffalo, NY and she can be found sitting in and “jamming” with musicians when the music is hot and the ambiance is cool. 

Her performance schedule and any new projects are listed on her website:

www.BarbaraLevyDaniels.com

Barbara Levy Daniels You Tube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaktqr6sEYdkw90PBMswxwg