Name: Live the Life *
Brand: Relativity Entertainment
SKU: 681989
Price: 19.08 USD
Availability: InStock

Performer Notes

Personnel: Ilona Knopfler (background vocals); Ilona Knopfler (vocals); Roger Rosenburg (baritone); Simon Shaheen (oud); Tatjana Mead Chamis (viola); Anne Williams (cello); Roger M. Rosenburg (bass clarinet, baritone saxophone); Mike Tamaro (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Steve Shehan (trombone, percussion); Mike Davis (trombone); Gildas Bocl?, James Genus, Rufus Reid (bass guitar); Marcello Pellitteri (drums); Marty Ashby (guitar); Darmon Meader (flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone); Paquito D'Rivera (clarinet); Antonio Hart (alto saxophone); Ingrid Jensen, Sean Jones , Jim Hynes (trumpet); Jay Ashby (trombone, alto trombone, percussion); Alain Mallet (piano, celesta); Jamey Haddad (drums, percussion); Kim Nazarian (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Jay Ashby.
Liner Note Authors: Al Pryor; Gretchen Carhartt.
Recording information: Les Editions Du Palais; Sony Studios.
Photographer: Parish Kohanim.
Unknown Contributor Role: Brian J. McKenna.
Arrangers: Alain Mallet; Darmon Meader; Jay Ashby; Eugene Maslov; Doctor John Wilson.
Jazz vocalist Ilona Knopfler sings in both English and French on Live the Life. Accompanied by an international band that adds its special musical flavorings, Knopfler swings, scats, and offers her expressive interpretations of music from the pens of such great composers as Ivan Lins, Thelonious Monk, Abbey Lincoln, and Thomas Dorsey among others. Opening with a great cover of "I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About," this song traverses three distinct styles. The intro is characterized by its a cappella harmonization behind Knopfler's motive development. It then segues into a bass and vocals duet in English that spotlights her comprehensive phrasing before a burst of French harmonization leads to an intense straight-ahead jazz solo by saxophonist Antonio Hart. On "Le Jazz et la Java," which is also sung in French, Knopfler engages in a conversation with trumpeter Sean Jones. This excellent call-and-response section represents one of the many great highlights on the CD and reinforces the universal idea that music erases many language barriers. Knopfler's vocal tones cover the mezzo-soprano to alto range, but on this highly entertaining offering, she eloquently alternates the harmonic rhythm, supportive and interactive comping, and soloist's viewpoint in two languages with seamless ease and professionalism. Highly recommended.. ~ Paula Edelstein

Professional Reviews

JazzTimes (p.121) - "[S]he embraces every ounce of the languidly assured sophistication that made the Blue Stars so enticing."

Album: Live the Life *
#	Song Title	Time
1)	I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About in My Song
2)	Comment Allez-Vouz
3)	But for Now
4)	Ask Me Now (How I Wish)
5)	Throw It Away
6)	Dansez Sur Moi (Girl Talk)
7)	Jazz et la Java, Le
8)	This Is Always
9)	Parce Que
10)	Alone Together
11)	Moulins de Mon Coeur, Les
12)	No Tomorrow

Album: Live the Life *
#	Song Title	Time
1)	I'm Going to Live the Life I Sing About in My Song
2)	Comment Allez-Vouz
3)	But for Now
4)	Ask Me Now (How I Wish)
5)	Throw It Away
6)	Dansez Sur Moi (Girl Talk)
7)	Jazz et la Java, Le
8)	This Is Always
9)	Parce Que
10)	Alone Together
11)	Moulins de Mon Coeur, Les
12)	No Tomorrow