Thanks to everyone who was able to attend the release party at Lenox Lounge!
Special Guest: Ron Blake
With: Donald Vega, Jim West, Jon Burr, Steve Johns,
Brandon Lee & Matt Haviland
Listen to the interview with NCPR's Joel Hurd
(02/04/12) Jazz singer Shirley Crabbe's new CD,Home is getting rave reviews and lots of national attention. She joined Joel Hurd on The Bridge (via Skype from her home near NYC) to talk about the new disc, growing up in a musical family, and a vocal cord injury that nearly ended her singing career before it ever even started.
Read the full story: North Country Public Radio Interview
Released: September 27, 2011
"Crabbe holds nothing back as she announces her artistic presence with the authority and confidence of a seasoned veteran. ...This is an adventurous, contemporary and swinging release that should satisfy the most discriminating of vocal jazz lovers. Making old school new cool, Shirley Crabbe is a name to remember."
Brent Black, Muzic Reviews.com
”Armed with classical training from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, a passion for jazz and a second chance, Shirley Crabbe is the newest songbird to arrive on the jazz scene, coming Home with a well-conceived and highly-engaging debut sure to propel this gifted artist to a new level of attention." -- Edward Blanco, All About Jazz
"Crabbe sings with soulful aplomb, investing the lyric with a mournful and deeply knowing emotionality." -- Nick Bewsey - Jazz in Space
“Vocalist Shirley Crabbe has a big, wide-open optimistic style that's reminiscent of a young, excited Sarah Vaughan”.
“This is a gorgeous album from a lovely singer”… -- Marc Meyers, JazzWax.com
"Crabbe's very attractive voice and her ability to convey the essence of a lyric make her a jazz vocalist you want to hear again and again. Her second CD can't come soon enough". -- Scott Albin - Jazz Times
..."warm, upbeat and on the money throughout. Tasty stuff well worth checking into". --Midwest Record
"It is refreshing to listen to a 'pure' standard-setting jazz singer who adamantly eschews the use of vocal histrionics to 'get over,' instead relying on the best writers, committed musicians, and her own pristine talent. Jazz music is richer to have a vocalist of such high caliber as Shirley Crabbe..." -- Jazmuzic.com
Dear Friends,
This album was made as a result of the many hard working and wonderfully talented individuals that I had the pleasure of being surrounded by. It was made from a place of joy, good belly laughs, dancing and a genuine respect and love for the music. As each one of these songs holds a special place in my heart, I hope that you will enjoy them all and find at least one that speaks directly to your heart. Thank you to everyone that made this CD possible. Thanks for believing in me, for coming to my shows and thanks so much for listening!
Love and happiness,
Shirley :)
Track List:
1. Lucky To be Me 3:08
2. You Taught My Heart To Sing 3:05
3. Home 5:43
4. Seasons 5:50
5. Detour Ahead 4:50
6. Strong Man 6:00
7. Not while I’m Around 6:20
8. So Far Away 4:23
9. Summertime 5:02
Featuring:
Shirley Crabbe (voice)
Special Guest Soloist: Houston Person (tenor sax solo on Lucky To Be Me, & Strong Man)
Donald Vega (piano on Seasons, You Taught My Heart To Sing, Home & Summertime)
Jim West (piano) Jon Burr (bass)
Alvester Garnett (Alvester plays D'Amico drums)
Dave Glasser (saxophone & flute, solo on Detour Ahead)
Matt Haviland (trombone, solo on Home)
Brandon Lee (trumpet, solo on Not While I’m Around)
And because of you God, my heart can sing – Thanks for restoring my voice and giving me back my dream!
“When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, LORD, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD’”. Jonah 2:7-9
