Search - Erika Paul :: Jumpin' Jelly Beans

This cd touches on the heart of great combo playing in the realm of classic jazz with Erika Paul at the piano and on vocals, Paul Binnings on bass and Pete Spomer on drums with guest trumpetist Wayne Theriault, saxist Ed Easton and flutist Jeff Leep. All the arrangements of the 9 classic standard tracks and the 6 original song tracks, written and arranged by Erika, are creative and clever, and Erika's sweet, lyrical voice cuts through like angels on a misson. Track 1, a playful swing number. Track 2 a clever arrangement mixing 6 and 4 meters. This band's timing is impeccable. Track 3 is a bossa nova vocal Erika original. On track 4, Erika performs beautiful romantic vocal stylings in French and English. Track 5 is the cd's only instrumental, an original by Erika with a catchy melody and a soothing latin feel. Track 6 is a lively arrangement of this Gershwin classic in 7 meter and then 4. Track 7 is a vocal marvel as Erika changes tempo feels and sings and plays her heart out on this funny yet serious Cole Porter song. Track 8 is upbeat Gershwin with a vocal scat twist and vivacious solo work by everyone in the band. Track 9 is a romantic waltz that Erika wrote in recognition of the more beautiful physical side her second home. Track 10 is an Ellington classic where Erika's more blueslike, soulful vocal side comes out and everyone in the band just swings their socks off. Track 11 is a hot and swingin' barn-burner with great lyrics and superb interactive combo work. Track 12 is an original mambo vocal number Erika wrote with a toe-tapping infectious beat. Track 13 is a child-like waltz made famous by Kermit the Frog of the Jim Hansen Muppets Puppets brigade. Erika sings and plays it sweet and innocent all the way to the vamp ending. Track 14 is the title track of the CD and also written by Erika, combining light-hearted swing vocals and solos, showing just how much fun a combo can have. The final track 15 is a gospel shuffle written by ! Erika, with the vocals and the soloists performing from the soul. The lyrics urge the listener to make the right choices guided by the right reasons and then world will be a much better place for it.