Wine & Chocolate
Brewster, New York, United States | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
“Wine & Chocolate” stands for the trio Alex Salzman, Anthony Aiello, and Erin Henry, but here they are backed up by trumpet player Don Harris. Their concept was conceived, developed and produced by Salzman, who plays guitars, keyboards and sings. Aiello plays the saxes and the flute and sings, but it’s Erin Henry who adds the most sensual vocals. They bring a mixture of contemporary jazz, with pop and funk influences, and based on Brazilian rhythms. Just as I like it. The opening song ‘Dori’ reminds me of Sergio Mendes, while the ballad ‘When I Fall’ is more jazzy. ‘Step By Step’ is up-tempo, with obvious solos on guitar and sax. This is less to my liking. The title track is much softer, relaxed and smoother. With the instrumental ‘Rusty Seven’ the rhythm goes up again, but now it’s funkier. On ‘Back Porch Blues’ you get the feeling that you’re out on the porch mesmerising over lost loved ones. The muted trumpet adds to that feeling. ‘Miles Ahead’ features more improvisational jazz, not my cup of tea. But ‘Islands In The Sun’ is a beautiful song, a gently swaying instrumental Brazilian samba, with vocals reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto and Basia. And the sax is reminding me of Stan Getz. ‘Your Song’ follows in that direction, a soft Bossa with sensual vocals by Erin, and a flute and flugelhorn arrangement. Lovely! ‘Mood For A Whale’ is indeed a moody instrumental piece, with a more up-tempo middle, and a moody ending. ‘Bring It Home’ closes the album on a funky instrumental base. On the whole, some very good songs, and some not to my liking. Strangely, I adore chocolate (Belgium has the finest chocolate in the world), but wine is not for me. I prefer champagne. So try this album yourselves, and let your taste decide.
Patrick Van de Wiele
CD Reviewer for Smooth Jazz.eu - Soothjazz.eu
An exciting new take on Latin-jazz. Its the blend of genres and textures that entice and draw the listener in. The interaction of the musicians that tells the tale that lies just beneath the music. The smokey lounge feel of "When I Fall", takes one back to the forties and fifties, when the genre was in its peak. A well balanced, strategic use of the horn section, kind of like a chef adding just the right amount of spice. The vocals are beatiful and lush. The rhythem section has a lot of fun with this project. Grooving nd laying back, always in the pocket. Nothing like being tempted and teased for more.
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- CD Baby
Discography
This is a debut album as the collaboration "Wine & Chocolate", entitled "Snapshots In Motion".
Separately, the members have appeared on numerous major and independent national and international releases. Please see www.wineandcocolatejazz.com for more individual member bios.
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Bio
A concept developed and produced by Alex Salzman, a Grammy-nominated producer, musician and composer. His impressive resume spans a variety of genres: from Broadway and motion picture legend composer Alan Menken to rock superstar Ace Frehley.
As an established member of the New York music community, Alex is able to pick from a pool of the best musicians to complement this project.
Joining Alex in this project is his long-time friend and musical partner Anthony Aiello, who serves as the co-composer and arranger. His brilliant musicality is showcased prominently on soprano, alto and tenor saxophones and flute, as well as lead and background vocals. Anthony is a well-known New York session and performing musician, having toured and recorded with the likes of Joe Jackson, Mariah Carey and Southside Johnny.
Rounding out the trio is the beautiful and talented Erin Henry, whose sultry vocal performances add a cool sensuality, passion and femininity. Her impressive range makes this project flow like the finest wine and the smoothest chocolate. Erin is a highly versatile and experienced studio and live performer and is a featured member of the famed TransSiberian Orchestra.
Featured special guest on the project is trumpeter Don Harris, a well-known New York musician and arranger, whose resume includes Tower Of Power, The Supremes, Jeff Golub and Kirk Whalum. Don's passion and virtuosity are showcased prominently throughout this release.
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