New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Fred Astaire holds a special place in Wendy Lee Taylor's heart for he is the quintessential charming hero of so many timeless musicals and his gravity defying grace, rhythm and creativity continue to inspire thousands.
Wendy Lee Taylor became passionate about dance and music as a child, and after many years learning to sing, dance and choreograph, she was infused with the universe of Fred Astaire.
Almost unconsciously, it was through this musical repertoire that Wendy discovered her vocation.
As an accomplished vocalist, not only in jazz but in musical theatre, Wendy focuses on another aspect of Fred Astaire's talent, that is often ignored: the fact that he was the artist for whom so many unforgettable songs that have since become essentials in the jazz repertoire were originally written. It is said that
George & Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Cole Porter preferred Astaire's renditions of their songs over more virtuosic singers. Recorded in Paris, France, Wendy Lee's current release spotlights many of those classic songs including "Steppin' Out With My Baby", "Night and Day", "Putting on the Ritz" and "Fascinating Rhythm, all performed with her signature style.
The dynamic arrangements by jazz pianist
Philippe Petit are played with energy and finesse by his trio (Philippe Petit - piano,
Pierre Maingourd - double bass and Eric Dervieu - drums) enhancing Wendy's swinging interpretations by blending the magic of musical comedy with the rhythm and intricacy of jazz. The overall vibe of the album is one of joy… and it will certainly get the toes tapping!
"There is no doubt that the project "Remembering Fred Astaire" tempted me to pull my tap shoes out of the cupboard where they have been gathering dust for far too long!" says Wendy.
From the tender age of 5, Wendy was exposed to the music from the great classical musicals, so it was a natural progression after numerous engagements in Australia and Japan and becoming a legendary Bluebelle Girl at the Lido de Paris to find herself drawn to Jazz and to a singing career that lead her to Parisian jazz clubs and festivals around
Europe as well as her native Australia.
Following the success of "Remembering Fred Astaire", Taylor's husband
Philippe Petit, a noted French pianist and organist with numerous recordings as a side man under his belt, also has a new release with his piano trio entitled "A Beautiful Friendship" featuring one of Wendy's compositions "The Skies Will Clear"
"One can truly feel the musical synergy in the group.
Philippe has worked alongside Wendy complimenting each and every musical whim that she rises to achieve. Not only does Wendy have her own solo career but also offers her composing talents to her husband's recordings as well" says Jaijai Jackson of The Jazz Network Worldwide.
The Wendy Lee Taylor quartet is seeking worldwide stages to bring her authentic musical style to the masses for the 2019/2020 calendar year.
Be sure to stop by and check out Wendy Lee's feature on The Jazz Network Worldwide giving a sneak peek of "Remembering Fred Astaire" at https://thejazznetworkworldwide.com you can also learn more about her upcoming events as well as purchase her new release at https://wendyleetaylor.com.
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