The Christine Spero Group

Artist Information

Biography

We'd like to announce our latest show, "Spero Plays Nyro", the music of Laura Nyro as well as our original nujazz, Latin, pop music. www.christinesperogroup.com

The group will bring their own kind of power to Laura Nyro's music. Laura Nyro was a Grammy winning quintessential singer/songwriter/pianist. Her groundbreaking music crossed the genres of folk, rock and jazz and she was one of the most covered artists in the 1960's and 1970's (Eli's Coming, Stoned Soul Picnic, Wedding Bell Blues, Sweet Blindness). Her tragically premature passing in 1997 shocked her fans. Finally, in 2012 she was inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.

Christine Spero has loved Laura's music from a young age when she was given "Eli and the Thirteenth Confession" by a radio DJ friend. She was inspired by Laura's music to be bold in writing, singing and playing piano and was the Winner of the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition in the Jazz Category. Her CDs are listened to around the world.

Even before Christine Spero began recording with her dynamic quartet, she was earning numerous accolades for her melodic, emotionally powerful and soulful songwriting and was Winner of the USA Songwriting Competition/Jazz category for her song, "He Wasn't Always That Way".
She was also a finalist with "Caribbean Nights," a festive tropical celebration that typifies the joyful exotica that drives her second recording, "My Spanish Dream", a rich Brazilian/Latin/world fusion offering that dances blithely between pop and jazz.

Each one of Christine's pieces is a unique vehicle for creative improvisation. Add to that her evocative, soulful singing and you've got a smooth runway for the piano, saxophone, bass, drums and percussion to take off!

Christine is the granddaughter of classical pianists. She recorded her first songs with Neil Sedaka and Don Kirschner on the RCA label as a teen, then moved from New York to San Francisco to further study music and botany. There, she was a member of Bob Braye's Peace and Rhythm Unit. Her eclectic and personal style of composing was influenced by many classical, pop and jazz musicians. She has performed with her own quartets and sextets over the years and now lives in the Catskill Mountains of New York, where she continues to write, record, and perform with her band.

Saxophonist, percussionist and producer Elliot Spero founded his own ensembles in San Francisco & N.Y.. He engineered and produced Christine's CD's, "We Call It Music" and produced "My Spanish Dream" with Scott Petito (Michael Franks, James Taylor). He is the owner of a recording studio in New York and does multiple duties on soprano and tenor saxes as well as percussion.

The group has shared the stage with Kevin Eubanks, Dr. John, Rickie Lee Jones, Blood, Sweat and Tears,The Woody Herman Orchestra, Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, Mike Phillips, Melanie, Ray Vega, Bobby Mattos, Andrea Brachfield.
Christine has been written about in USA Today, Billboard, Jazz Times, JAZZIZ, Keyboard and Recording Magazines, Time Out New York, Village Voice, Woodstock Times and ASCAP Playback.
"My Spanish Dream" is being played in 20 countries and receiving rave reviews.

Christine's song, "I'd Come Home Anywhere" is #8 on the Australian Indie Chart!


"..exciting Latin jazz grooves producing an intoxicating and vibrant sound." (Ed Blanco- ejazznews)

" ...transports you to a loftier place." (Chronogram, New York)

"Yet as compelling and poetic as her writing is, her joyful live vocal performances and rich piano chordings and improvisations really bring the music to memorable life." (allmusicguide)

"Their musicianship was outstanding and their diverse musical styles really had the crowd excited." (Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz)

"...top notch..." (Woodstock Times)

"Christine has an amazing voice and an awesome band!" (Smoothjazz.com)

Christine and her group performed live on NPR WAMC 90.3 FM, Albany and on cable broadcasts including Time Warner.

Recording Magazine featured Christine in their Artist Profile.This can be viewed at:www.taxi.com/transmitter/0611/headlineB0611.html

Also, smoothjazz.com interview can be viewed at: http://smoothindiestar.com/interviews/interview.php?id=1465

Currently our rhythm section is:
Drummer - Peter O'Brien - ( Edgar Winter, Orleans)

Bassist - Scott Petito (James and Livingston Taylor, Michael Franks, Stevie Wonder, The Fugs).


Booking / MGT For Festivals, Clubs, Etc
Elliot Spero / E.C. Spero Productions
P.O. Box 808
Tannersville NY 12485
212-886-5457
917-743-9759
ecsperoproductions@yahoo.com

The Rainbow Talent Agency
Carl LabateBooking Festivals, Performing Art Centers, Etc.
146 Round Pond Lane
Rochester, New York 14626
585-723-3334
info@rainbowtalantagency.com
http://www.rainbowtalentagency.com

Booking / The Netherlands
THE MUSIC REPS
+31-345-848405
http://www.themusicreps.com

Instrumentation

Christine Spero - Voice and Piano
Elliot Spero - Saxophones & Percussion
Peter O'Brien - Drums/Vocals
Scott Petito - Bass

Discography

Working on a 2013 summer release "Spero Plays Nyro"

" My Spanish Dream" released in 2007 (Collective Works)
" We Call It Music" 2002 (E. C. Spero Productions)

Available at www.cdbaby.com/cd/christinespero2 ; Amazon; i-tunes; Rhapsody; Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Burnside Distribution for export.

Net Radio & Streaming

Pandoria Radio
Jango Radio
Zune
Spotfly
Smoothjazz.com
Last FM
Rhapsody
Blue Plate Radio (CT)
My Space
Kanaljazz ( Paris, France)
Ison TV/Radio in (NewCastle, Australia)www.isonliveradio.com
www.jazzradio247.com (New York) www.seriousjazz.org
www.amrap.org- (Australia)
www.boomerradio.com; Live365.com ( 30 stations) www.jazz88online.org; Smother.net-Manassas,VA
Skyjazz Internet Radio - Ottawa ,Canada
Luver Radio-Berkeley,CA; M3 Radio-New York, NY

We are happy to announce that Kanaljazz, an online radio station based in Paris in now included in our list of wonderful broadcasts around the world.
It is listened to in the USA, France, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Eastern Europe and South America.

Radio Reviews from around the World:

5/1/09-Eric Cohen of WAER in Syracuse said:
"This group has set the bar at a very high level with
My Spanish Dream...seamlessly mixing elements
of Brazilian rhythms with Latin grooves....it's soulful...romantic….jazzy… and
guaranteed to give your ears an enjoyable listening
experience...and perhaps your dancing shoes too."

Australia: 1/06/09 Barry O'Sullivan BLU FM 89.1
"This is a fabulous and fiery, energetic album full of fine composition and excellent musicianship from a very professional ensemble. As summer stars to creep into our earth space of the southern hemisphere I have added "Caribbean Nights" and "My Spanish Dream" to my play lists for my national program "Jazz Hour" that are full of heat and passion 5 stars for igniting our souls down under!" Barry O'Sullivan Producer/presenter"Jazz Hour" via the CBAA Satellite to over 180 stations in the network.

"Dynamic vocals. Christine's writing abilities are very evident throughout this musical project. What a musical festival!"
Leon Reyes KVMR 89.5 FM Nevada City/Sacramento Ca Host: Leon's Jazz In A Box

"Fantastic Album. Great stuff for our Radio Station."
Alex Pijnen/BRTO Radio-The Netherlands

"We really love this stunning cooking sophisticated Jazz. Christine's style is powerful, evocative and very subtle. The choice of material backed up with a cooking band is marvelous and gels together into a big sound tinged with a wonderful Latin Groove that has you wanting more and our audiences most certainly will love your sound. This is a CD made to be heard, in fact, demands to be heard for it's infectious groove has one wanting to dance and party. It certainly struck us as one extraordinary CD and one that will be very well received by our astute audience."
Our station has over 400,000 listeners per week and over 6 million hits per month on our web site.
Peter Merrett- Music manager for PBS FM 106-7 Melbourne, Australia (one of the country's leading music stations.)

"Fusion Adult perfection... one of our new favorites for adult jazz programming" Asid Hi-Power Radio- Michigan

"A wonderful recording and I have no hesitation in adding it to my current play list."
Dick Hughes-Jazz Action Productions/Sydney, Australia

"The character of the music style gives this CD a unique feel, with an individual personality. Great work!"
Graham J Barclay/Soundwave FM-New Zealand

Skopje, Macedonia- Excellent material! I am interested to present more in the future.
Vasja Ivanovski Jazz Spaces

" A truly wonderful CD" Serge Kozlovsky-Minsk/Belarus

"Fresh and relaxing singing with a latin touch."-Pascal Dorban Radio ARA, Luxembourg

"This cd is so interesting and of great quality and lovers of good music will be enthralled." JOSEP PALMADA RED HOT BLUES RADIO VILAFANT SPAIN

"Great work on this disc full of wonderful song's and music. One to be proud of. " George Young
country club productions pty ltd, Australia

" What a great sound you have, we have played several of your tracks to date and plan to schedule more in future programs. Keep up the good work!". Michael Criddle OzRadio (President Radio Triple H-FM) Australia

"My Spanish Dream" is just that. This is a rich Brazilian/latin/World fusion that makes the "A" list from the very first track. Christine Spero has exceptional writing skills and a voice to match. Gloriously groovy arrangements full of wonderful textures, imagination, and musicality. Spero's song "He Wasn't Always That Way" won the jazz category of the USA songwriting Competition in 2004; and "Caribbean Nights", one my favourites on this album, was a finalist in 2002. Spero is brilliantly supported by Elliot Spero's sax & percussion with Mike Woinoski on bass and drummer Jody Sumber. Produced by Elliot Spero this second album clearly announces a new talent. Already headlining Festivals, The Christine Spero Group is set to go far. So let "The Festival" begin!!" Helen Simons- The JazzXpress Caravan 94.1FM Jazz Radio Gold Coast Queensland Australia

"The Christine Spero Group has brought some great new original music to Latin/World music. Many thanks for the opportunity to play and review this album."
Helen Jarroe Cairns FM 89.1 Australia

"This original Latin jazz album is imaginative and irresistible...enlivening and reflective...fiery yet sweet....and beautifully accessible. If you inhale all of its multifaceted colors and textures, it will enter your heart, transport your spirit and dance your body into the mysterious places where only inspiring music can carry you."- CDBaby Review of "My Spanish Dream"

"My Spanish Dream" is one of six featured jazz albums in Japan on: www.garagebandjapan.com

Ison TV/Radio in NewCastle, Australia(www.isonliveradio.com) has been playing, "We Call It Music" for five years.

Radio: (for complete list visit website)
East Coast: WAMC NPR 90.3 FM- Albany, N.Y. WCVF;WAER-Syracuse; WGMC Jazz 90.1 FM- Rochester, New York;
XMRadio, Sirius Radio, "AcousticCafe"; WKZE;
WRHO,WVOF,Ct; WCVF-FM New York WRIP,NY;WDST,Woodstock;WPDH, Poughkeepsie; WHRW 90.5FM Binghamton,NY; WRTC and
WDIT-Hartford, Ct; WWUH Radio-W. Hartford Ct; WICN-Public Radio-Worcester,MA WRHU-The Jazz Cafe,-Hempstead,NY; WRCU 90.1; WKCR,89.9-Columbia U.NY,NY; KUSP,Pacifica Radio-WPFW 89.3FM-Washington,DC; WOMR 92.1FM- MA;WPKN-Bridgeport,Ct; WMBR-Cambridge,MA;WBRS 100.1FM-Waltham,MA;WERSand WRBB-Boston,MA; WUML-Lowell, MA;WECS-Willimantic,CT;
WESU 88.1FM-Middletown,CT;WKDU 91.7FM-Phila,PA;WRCT 88.3FM-Pittsburgh,PA;WUSR 99.5FM-Scranton,PA; WMEB 91.9FM-Orono,ME;WMHB-Waterville,ME;WMPG-Portland,ME;WRIU-Kingston,RI;WRUV 90.1FM-Burlington,VT;WUMD 89.3-Dartmouth,MA;Lion Radio 90.7FM-University Park,PA; WOMR 92.1FM-Provincetown,MA; WMWM-Salem, MA;WRUW-FM-Ohio;WTCC-Springfield,MA; WPRB FM- Princeton, N.J.
WMPG-Maine

West Coast: Calif-KVMR Radio;
KXPT 97.1 Las Vegas,DMX-Los Angeles
KAOS 89.3fm Olympia Community Radio-Washington; KTSU-Houston,TX;
KRTU-San Antonio;
KYSJ-Coos Bay/Oregon
Santa Cruz,CA; KCLU, Thousand Oaks,CA.; WKRMEL,Carmel,CA ;KALX-Berkeley,CA;KCR-San Diego;KCSB FM-Santa Barabara,CA;KDVS-90.3FM Davis,CA;KSDS FM-San Diego,CA;KEWU 89.1FM-Cheney,WA;KPSU-Portland,OR; KBCS- Bellevue,WA

Southeast: WDNA 88.9 FM-Miami,Fla; Jazz Radio27.7-St Augustine,Fla;Little Rock, Arkansas;WDCE-Richmond,VA;BZOO Homegrown Radio-Jackson,KY;
Georgia- WHCJ 90.3; KSU Owl Radio
KASU-FM Arkansas; FBCC Radio Louisiana; WGRV-Melbourne,Fla

Midwest: WDCB-Public Radio,IL; KCLU, KBEM Jazz 88, Minneapolis,MN; KBCS Radio; KCCK 88.3-Cedar Rapids,IA; KABF, 88.1 WYCE-Grand Rapids,MI; KUMD 103.3-Duluth,MN; WDBX-Carbondale,IL; WDCB Radio 90.9 FM, IL; WSUM-Madison,WI;Free Radio Jackson-Jackson,MI; ASID-Hi Power Radio Michigan
Nebraska-NET Radio; WWSP 89.9/90 FM Wiscon.
Ohio- WVXU-FM; WCBE FM

International:
Europe:
Poland: JAZZ RADIO FM; Radio Merkury
Turkey:Radyo SDU
Macedonia: 94.1 FM RADIO 2
The Netherlands: Radio Stanavste; Radio RICK FM Uithoorn; BRTO Radio; Dutch Coast Radio; 105.4FM/Alphen Stadt, 103.4 Cable, Jazz and Blues Tour; Lokale Omroep Hoogeveen
Belgium: Radio TQV
Italy: Animajazz, Radio Incontro; Radio Gold Popular Network
France: Radio G-Angers;Radio Campus; VIRUS DE BLUES; Radio Rennes; Radio Boomerang
Spain: Radio Vilafant; RÀDIO DESPÍ; Radio Contadero;
Luxembourg- Radio ARA and Radio lu
Switzerland-SwissGroove Audio Channel
Denmark-Radio Holstebro
Germany- Alooga Radio;Radio Unerhört Marburg; Deutschlandradio Kultur
Armenia- City-FM
Greece- ERT / GREEK RADIO 2 (National)
U.K- Jazz Syndicate Radio and Real Love Radio; Vibes 90.6 FM
Minsk, Belarus
Hong Kong- Radio 3

Canada:
KFMU 88.1 FM/Hamilton,Ontario; CFBX Radio;CKMN-FM 96,5; Radio DirectX RDX Toronto,
Montreal- Swing2Jazz 101.9
New Foundland- CKSJ FM

New Zealand:Soundwave FM; World FM

Australia:
ILR Television and Radio; Relax Radio; Jazz Action Productions; PBS FM-106.7; 4CCR, 97.4 M; ISON Live Radio, NewCastle; Progressive Broadcasting Service; Triple H-FM; Valley FM 89.5; Radio 3ZZZ
Country Club Productions Pty ltd; 3CR; TripleU-FM, Nowra, N.S.W; Highlands 100.7FM; PBS FM- Progressive Broadcasting Service; Shoalhaven Community Radio Inc. (New South Wales); Highland FM;Jazz Radio Pty Ltd; The JazzXpress Caravan 94.1FM Jazz Radio Gold Coast Queensland Australia; Cairns FM 89.1; 2TEN FM; BLU FM 89.1; 2CCR FM 90.5; (Castle Hill NSW); West Gippsland Comm. Radio; 2NVR 105.9 FM; 2 bbb 93.3 FM; 2 NCR 92.9 FM; Radio Logan 101 FM; OKR 97.1 FM; (Victoria); Easy FM 87.6 (Port Broughton);

South America:
IUS Stereo; Emisora Cultural Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento; Universidad Industrial de Santander-
Colombia
Argentina-FM Urquiza 91.7MHZ

Yellowbeat/Japan has been playing "We Call It Music".

Internet:
PANDORA
www.jazzradio247.com (New York)www.smoothjazz.com; www.seriousjazz.org
www.amrap.org-Australia
www.boomerradio.com; Live365.com ( 30 stations) www.jazz88online.org; Smother.net-Manassas,VA
Skyjazz Internet Radio - Ottawa ,Canada
Luver Radio-Berkeley,CA; M3 Radio-New York, NY
www.blueplateradio.com

Official Website

http://www.christinesperogroup.com

Links

• MySpace
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Last.fm
• Smooth Jazz.com
• Record label
• CD Baby

Audio

• My Spanish Dream
  Listen  
• Don't Say No
  Listen  
• Therapy
  Listen  
• Caribbean Nights
  Listen  
• A Prayer
  Listen  
• The Festival
  Listen  
• Orion's Belt
  Listen  
• Tenerife
  Listen  
• Raiisha
  Listen  
• The Heart Has It's Own Way
  Listen  
• Corners
  Listen  
• He Wasn't Always That Way
  Listen  

Lyrics

• My Spanish Dream
• Don't Say No
• Caribbean Nights (Let's Make Believe)
• A Prayer
• The Festival

Video

Lua Soberana @ The 2010 Greater Hartford Festival Of Jazz

Photo Gallery

Press

• The 2010 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz [+ Show ]
  

  For so diminutive a city, Hartford presents a striking diversity of jazz. There is of course the Har...For so diminutive a city, Hartford presents a striking diversity of jazz. There is of course the Hartford Jazz Society, the Hartt School of Music and the legacy of Jackie McLean, a triumvirate of influences that engenders a deeply rooted “straight ahead” and legacy-driven jazz scene. However, the 2010 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz, which takes place July 16-18 in Bushnell Park and is free, is a truly modern work of programming. In as much as a jazz festival can ever be, the GHF is “for the people” of the region and its three days of new-Latin, R&B-jazz, smooth-groove or whatever you want to call it truly reflect the modern jazz-ish tastes of the local demographic.
  
  The festival opens with the pan-Latin jazz sounds of pianist and vocalist Christine Spero. On record, Spero’s group is polished to a glaring shine that overemphasizes the exotic lyrics to tunes like “My Spanish Dream” and “Caribbean Nights.” Live, however, Spero’s group settles deeply into her driving montunos, responding with relaxed grooves peppered with the colors of percussion and her scat singing.
  
  Bill Carbone - The Hartford Advocate (Jul 23, 2010)
  

• EJazzNews Review of My Spanish Dream [+ Show ]
  

  Pianist and vocalist Christine Spero launches her new release of exciting Latin jazz grooves that bl...Pianist and vocalist Christine Spero launches her new release of exciting Latin jazz grooves that blend Brazilian and pop rhythms producing an intoxicating and vibrant sound guaranteed to shake the shoulders and move the hips. “My Spanish Dream,” delivers nine original songs with catchy melodies and rich harmonies that will have you hitting the re-play button often.
  
  Hailing from Tannersville, New York, Christine Spero has for years performed with her quartet and has one previous recording to her credit (“We Call It Music” 2002). On this recording she is joined by her core group consisting of Elliot Spero (tenor, soprano sax and percussions), Mike Woinoski (bass) and Jody Sumber (drums). Others appearing on the recording include Rich DeCrosta (trumpet) on “Therapy,” husband Buck Spero (bass) and Curtis Watts (drums) on “Therapy”, “The Festival” and “I remember.”
  
  
  
  Starting off with the title track, Spero sets the tone with her lush vocals and piano chops on this airy and spacious number. The second cut, “Don’t Say No,” says yes all the way with a terrific percussive beat and appreciable scatting from the singer.
  
  The music only gets better with the incredible Latin rhythms of “Caribbean Nights,” unquestionably the best composition here. Spero’s vocals on this one is upstaged by her sizzling piano performance that continues to play over and over in one’s brain sort of like when you have a tune you just cannot get out of your head.
  
  The tune “Just So You Know,” is maybe the sole pop flavored number here. The Brazilian flavored “The Festival,” rivals “Caribbean Nights,” as one of the best scores here featuring perhaps the finest vocals and a nice run on the synthesizer from Christine.
  
  Elliot Spero takes center stage on the only instrumental piece “Raiisha,” with an excellent journey on the sax. Except for a verse of wordless vocals, “Therapy,” is largely another instrumental piece featuring an augmented cast. The album ends with another bossa-shaded number in “I Remember,” showcasing Elliot’s torrid sax solo and climaxing one heck of a session.
  
  Year: 2007
  Label: Collective Works (Media)
  Artist Web: www.christinesperogroup.com
  
  

• AllMusicGuide Review of [+ Show ]
  

  Even before Christine Spero began recording with her dynamic quartet, she was earning numerous accol...Even before Christine Spero began recording with her dynamic quartet, she was earning numerous accolades for her melodic, emotionally powerful and soulful songwriting. In 2004, she won the Jazz Category in the USA Songwriting Competition for "He Wasn't Always That Way." She was also a finalist in the 2002 competition for "Caribbean Nights," a festive tropical celebration that typifies the joyful exotica that drives The Spanish Dream. Based on the compelling songwriting on the other richly rhythmic, soaring tracks, there are probably more certificates in her future with some of the richly rhythmic, soaring tracks on the group's second indie recording. Yet as strong and poetic as her writing is on tracks like the easy swinging, samba flavored title track, the jaunty, percussive "Don't Say No" and the haunting ballad "My Prayer," it's her joyful vocal performances (including some wordless passages) and lively piano chordings and improvisations (particularly on the expansive title track) that really bring the music to memorable life. Spero is the compelling multi-talented focal point throughout, but she's clearly having a great time trying to keep up with the relentless rhythm section of Mike Woinoski (bass) and Jody Sumber (drums). The project was produced by Elliot Spero, who does multiple duties on soprano and tenor saxes as well as percussion. Away from the quartet, Christine and Elliot Spero perform sometimes as a duo that mixes Brazilian and pop flavors a la Brasil 66. The big vocal sound of 60's flavored Sergio Mendes recordings shines though most of the tracks, but there's also some heavier jazz blowing beneath the breezes on tracks like the instrumental "Raiisha," a powerful duet by the Speros over the tight rhythm section.
  Jonathan Widran - allmusicguide

• Smooth Jazz Review [+ Show ]
  

  Catch Christine's music on www.smoothjazz.com Here's what they're saying about the new release, "My ...Catch Christine's music on www.smoothjazz.com Here's what they're saying about the new release, "My Spanish Dream" on October 15th, 2007:
  "Latin Jazz done right has a fluidity and passion that is unmistakably compelling. The Christine Spero Group’s second release MY SPANISH DREAM indeed does it right, creating moving, exciting textures that glide effortlessly among the genres of Brazilian, Latin, world fusion, jazz and pop. Ms. Spero is a singer/pianist of immense talent with a voice that might remind you of Eliane Elias or Bebel Gilberto on the rich and warm “My Spanish Dream,” Gloria Estefan on the exuberant “The Festival” and perhaps Manhattan Transfer’s Janis Siegel on ”I Remember.” Her band consists of Elliot Spero on sax, bassist Mike Woinoski and drummer Jody Sumber. You’ll find all of the music on this album to be organic, refreshing, soulful and exciting. From “Don’t Say No,” a mid-tempo bossa with a strong hook and delightful pop feel, to “Just So You Know,” an expansively beautiful story-song that chronicles the Spero’s son’s cross-country bike trip to raise money for disabled children. This album also features two inventive instrumentals, namely “Raiisha,” a progressive jazz-fusion piece featuring Elliot’s inventive sax work and “Therapy,” a solid Latin Jazz fusion track featuring some lively scatting. MY SPANISH DREAM from the New York State-based Christine Spero Group is an outstanding album that makes me want more and would totally motivate me to catch this group live at my first opportunity. What this album has going for it in spades is outstanding musicianship, positive energy, and compelling songs from the pen of Christine Spero.
  Highly recommended!" Scott O'Brien-Smoothjazz.com
  

• Spero's CD is Top Notch-Kingston Freeman [+ Show ]
  

  Jazz, Latin and pop singer and pianist Christine Spero of Tannersville has a CD with her group that'...Jazz, Latin and pop singer and pianist Christine Spero of Tannersville has a CD with her group that's quite impressive. Recorded at NRS in Catskill, by Scott Petito, it also features Elliot Spero on soprano and tenor, Mike Woinoski on bass and Jody Sumber on drums.
  The lush title track,"My Spanish Dream", quickly sets the tone. It's exotic and melodic and the ascending changes lift it skyward. Spero's piano solo here is superb, as is Spero's sax ride.
  "Don't Say No" is urgent and turbulent. The bossa "Caribbean Nights" swings and sways, while bassist Woinoski shines in "Just So You Know". The soothing "A Prayer" is a highlight, while Elliot Spero shines in "Raiisha", as he runs with a meaty sax solo. His harmonic sensibility and phrasing are a cut above. "Therapy" has wide open spaces and a Chuck Mangione vibe. "I Remember" is a vocal workout, as Spero spins around, flies upside down and still manages to land on her feet.
  The songwriting and musicianship here is top notch, and you can bet it's as good if not better in a live setting. That said, Spero and group are to appear at the Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock on Thursday. (Woodstock-David Malachowski)

• Chronogram Review of "My Spanish Dream" [+ Show ]
  

  Whether your thing is jazz, pop, or Brazilian/Latin grooves, Christine Spero’s My Spanish Dream wil... Whether your thing is jazz, pop, or Brazilian/Latin grooves, Christine Spero’s My Spanish Dream will transport you to a loftier place.
  The leader, on vocals, piano, and synthesizer, is joined by Mike Woinoski on bass, Jody Sumber on drums, and Elliott Spero on sax, percussion, and synth. Opening with the lengthy title track, the singer yearns for a place of fond imagination, her heartfelt vocals snaking their way around a colorful, exotic arrangement that is both tight and spirited; highlighting the track is a compelling sax solo. Her overdubbed scatting illuminates the upbeat and utterly danceable “Don’t Say No,” a samba rhythm-based track that is a joy to listen to. The tempo is continuously zealous until the middle track, “A Prayer,” which is a somber, solo piano piece written for a 9/11 memorial performance. Just as it must have on that occasion, it will leave listeners teary-eyed.
  The pace quickens again with “The Festival,” an ardent invitation to a jubilant musical gala. “Raiisha,” an instrumental, features a demanding, weighty sax solo, and the revelry continues until the very last note of the ninth and final track.
  
  Pick this one up if you’re ready for some sublime musicianship with true heart and soul. Or catch the quartet live at Stella’s in Catskill on September 15; or at the Hunter Mountain Microbrew and Wine Fest on September 22. www.cdbaby.com/cd/christinespero2.
  
  
  
  

• Jazz and Blues Tour
  

  Talking surprising new CD....Amazing! 105.4 FM /103.4 Cable Alphen Stad- The Netherlands

• Current News [+ Show ]
  

  "Christine Spero, a jazz singersongwriter is the Winner of the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition Ja... "Christine Spero, a jazz singersongwriter is the Winner of the 2004 USA Songwriting Competition Jazz Category with her song "He Wasn't Always That Way", from her CD, "We Call It Music", that will be released on a compilation CD of all the winning songs in 2005. Spero's song "Caribbean Nights", was also a finalist in the 2002 competition."

• Music Reviews of World, Adult Contemporary, Jazz and Blues [+ Show ]
  

  " Latin jazz artists, The Christine Spero Group hail from the Hudson Valley in New York State. Ric... " Latin jazz artists, The Christine Spero Group hail from the Hudson Valley in New York State. Rich harmonies and lush arrangements complement the terrific vocal jazz sound. The percussion is what I really like on this album as Elliot Spero adds conga, cowbells, timbales, chimes, whistles, shakers, along with his great saxophone. They may call it just simply "music" but I call it a great jazz album!"
  -J-Sin

• Neufutur Magazine Review of My Spanish Dream [+ Show ]
  

  The Christine Spero Group - My Spanish Dream / 2007 Self / 9 Tracks / "One of the first things t...The Christine Spero Group - My Spanish Dream / 2007 Self / 9 Tracks /
  
  "One of the first things that is heard at the beginning of "My Spanish Dream" has to be the entirety of The Christine Spero Group weaving their instruments together to come up with a coherent and cohesive sound. Hints of Latin arrangements and jazz spontaneity immediately confront listeners during the disc's first track, "My Spanish Dream". The tango-like arrangements that end the chorus provide a form of onomatopoeia to this track that is simply to die for. "Don't Say No" builds off of "My Spanish Dream" due primarily to the piano arrangements of Christine Spero. The smooth compositions in "Don't Say No", coupled with the vocals of Spero, elicit comparisons to Gloria Estefan and the talented musicians in the Miami Sound Machine.
  
  While it is true that The Christine Spero Group tends to go towards the slower, more lounge-worthy tracks rather than the dance-fests that were often present during Estefan's work, the talent exhibited by the bands and the distinctive vocals of the singers are similar. "Caribbean Nights" builds off of "Don't Say No", in that the set of influences influential in the creation of the track are the same between the tracks, giving each of the two songs a very early eighties feel.
  
  However, at no point during "My Spanish Dream" does The Christine Spero Group sound dated in the least. One of the strong suits of The Christine Spero Group during this album has to be their ability to use older styles and couch it in a way that will entice listeners in the current period to pick up the album.
  
  Listeners will be enticed by the instrumental interplay present during "Just So You Know", which brings the ropier sound of the bass into direct conflict with the twinkling high end of the track. Instead of creating dissonance during this track, the struggle for dominance between these two pieces of the band makes each side work harder and their efforts all the more impressive. The Christine Spero Group was only able to react in this way due to their amazing ability as musicians and the fact that Christine herself has been working on creating these types of songs for well over a half decade. The tropical rhythms present on "My Spanish Dream" increase the replay value of this album, and ensures that listeners will be able to play the disc until that time when
  The Christine Spero Group releases their next album."
  
  

Setlist

"Spero Plays Nyro"

And When I Die
Blackpatch
Money
Smile
Eli's Coming
Sweet Blindness
Stoned Soul Picnic
Lonely Women
Wedding Bell Blues
Upstairs By a Chinese Lamp
You Don't Love Me When I Cry
Captain For Dark Mornings




Sets are an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes.

Original music from our cd "We Call It Music":

The Heart Has It's Own Way
He Wasn't Always That Way
I Remember
Seeing It As A Child
Tenerife
Corners
Orion's Belt

and our Cd "My Spanish Dream"

My Spanish Dream
A Prayer
Don't Say No
Caribbean Nights
The Festival
Therapy
Just So You Know
Raiisha.

When appropriate, the group mixes pop music by writers such as:

Sergio Mendes (Brazil 66) Mas Que Nada, Chove Chuva
Ivan Lins, Lua Soberana
Dave Grusin Havana
Tania Maria Don't Go
Marc Anthony That's Okay
Kenny Garrett Sing a Song of Songs, Words Can't Express
Jobim, A Felicidad, Lamento
Beatles Norwegian Wood, Things We Said Today
Carole King It's Too Late
Joni Mitchell Free Man in Paris, River
Laura Nyro Billy's Blues, Stoned Soul Picnic
James Taylor Jump Up, Mexico
Blind Faith Can't Find My Way Home
Jim Webb Wichita Lineman

Basic Requirements

Calendar