Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Review: Ja (Ja Franco) has one of the most intoxicating, sensual voices in Latin jazz now recording, a voice that is uniquely fitted to these jazz motifs. 11 selections are featured in the fine collection, PASSION OF MY SOUL. This CD has a pleasant, memorable world jazz feel to it. Jazzreview.com - Jazzreview.com
NEW WOMEN ON DISC - What's on Disc by Thomas Schulte
www.womenrock.com
Ja, a.k.a Janice Franco, is a smooth, multi-lingual jazz vocalist. In an acoustic jazz setting she performs Brazilian and jazz standards on ‘Passion of My Soul’ (BAP Records). Important in this production is the subtle but effective percussion from BAP Records founder Larry Fratangelo, a journeyman world-class percussionist. Delivered in a classic style, this album recalls the popular success of peerless American jazz talent and fresh Bossa Nova rhythms that first fused in the '60's. Ja delivers this material in Portuguese, Italian and English.
- www.womenrock.com
www.jazzreview.com
Featured Artist: Ja Franco
CD Title: Passion of My Soul
Record Label: Brother Angel Productions
Style: Jazz Vocals
Musicians: Ja (Janice Franco), vocals. Larry Fratangelo, drums & percussion. Robert Tye, guitar. Patrick Cronley, piano. Guest artists include: Dale Grisa, piano; Dan Kolton, bass; Patrick Prowty, bass; Rich Kowelewski, bass.
Review: Ja (Ja Franco) has one of the most intoxicating, sensual voices in Latin jazz now recording, a voice that is uniquely fitted to these jazz motifs. 11 selections are featured in the fine collection, PASSION OF MY SOUL. This CD has a pleasant, memorable world jazz feel to it.
The musicians accompanying Ja give expert and moving performances in their music, and the piano work of Patrick Cronley is superb. Songs include "In The Moonlight," "The Nearness of You," "Cry Me A River," "Swing De Cor," "Insensatez," "My Foolish Heart," among others.
Ja gives a bluesy feel to these songs that adds further verve to the Latin feel of the music in this collection. If you listen to her renditions on "The Nearness of You" or "Cry Me A River," for instance, it is easy to see how attentive Ja is to melody, harmony, and sensitivity of the messages each song carries for the listening audience. "Cry Me A River" is a showcase piece for Ja, full of feeling and energy.
Ja is a genuine chanteuse with a defined and exciting continental style of singing. Her voice is a true natural for bossa nova. PASSION OF MY SOUL is wonderful entertainment.
Reviewed by: Lee Prosser
- www.jazzreview.com
Ja, which is short for Janice Franco, is a world-class, multi-lingual jazz chanteuse with an absolutely stunning voice. Ja works with her group, Amoroso, in an acoustic jazz setting. . . PASSION OF MY SOUL released by BAP Records, featuring eleven tracks, has received nothing but rave reviews. Miramar . . . called the CD "astonishing, impeccable" and said that Ja "really turns on the heat. . . "
Mark Clark - Jam Rag Magazine
Discography
Select Discography:
"Passion of My Soul" produced by P-Funk percussionist, Larry Fratangelo, on BAP Records, is available through most internet distribution sites for downloading and on www.brotherangel.com.
"Live at the Zoo" released by BAP Records sells on www.brotherangel.com and is available for downloading on most digital internet sites.
Ja's newest CD produced by Larry Fratangelo and BAP Records include all originals in a world-music genre and will be available exclusively at www.brotherangel.com. Email artist and receive signed copy.
"Baby You Can Drive My Car" produced by Larry Fratangelo, is found on "Cruisin Songs From the Motor City," the official CD of the Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise.
"Amazing Grace," arrangement and produced by Walter White, soon to be published by Hal Leonard.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Ja Franco is a premier chanteuse. Her music is often referred to as champagne, candlelight and romance music. The silky sensation of her smooth vocal style is enough to put anyone in the mood to share their love. Heard on radio, television, and featured in national ad campaigns, Ja has been nominated Best World Recording and Best Jazz Vocalist numerous times at the Detroit Music Awards. Her debut CD on BAP Records is a compilation of Brazilian and Jazz standards in which she sings in Portuguese, Italian and English. Ja was also named Favorite Michigan Jazz Artist 2003 by Michigan Radio Q90.7 FM.
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