(Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova, Jazz Pop) Debbie Orta - Child's Play - 2014, MP3, 320

Debbie paid her dues in the business performing in nightclubs around the country, and began writing her own songs. Debbie toured as a backup singer for Latin American superstar, Jose Luis Rodriguez, (aka "El Puma"), enjoying the world travel and musical influences from Latin America up until the early 90s, when she changed direction, for the most part, as she started her family. Later inspired to do her own music, Debbie recorded demos of original songs in collaboration with musician friends which led her back into music, with a focus on jazz.
Debbie is a founding member of the Miami Jazz Coop and performs with an illustrious group of renowned jazz musicians, She has appeared in self-produced multi-media tribute concerts of the Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee songbooks.
Debbie mounted a fan-funding campaign on Kickstarter.com which was a terrific success, bringing some funding for her project, “CHILD'S PLAY,” coming this summer, with fresh arrangements of jazz standards, though not the usual fare, and four original compositions. It's a 13-song set, including one medley; featuring jazz ballads, swing and bebop, bossa novas, fusion, and a gospel tune as well.

"Outstanding" "You Are My Child is the most beautiful thing I've ever heard" "great voice" "amazing flute solo" "wow, incredible arrangements" "awesome band" are just some of the sentiments from listeners of this brand new indie release by Debbie Orta. This versatile jazz vocalist and songwriter performs her favorite songs from The Great American Songbook accompanied by a stellar band of musicians. Her original compositions have the type of flair and unforgettable melodic interest that you find among the greatest jazz and Brazilian compositions. A former backup singer on tour with Jose Luis Rodriguez, "El Puma" throughout the United States, Central and South America, and parts of Europe, Debbie brings her worldly influence to her music. This is jazz in a variety of rhythms: swing, bebop, salsa, and bossa nova, plus Debbie's original gospel tune. These twelve album tracks weave a spell, with rhythmic and sonic textures. How often do you get to hear jazz steel drum on a vocal album? Debbie's guest artist on "Taking a Chance on Love" is none other than the legendary Othello Molineaux who is the originator of this technique, playing virtuoso jazz on the island instrument that was previously only known for tropical colors. On "The Way You Look Tonight" she has invited the world renowned session man and concert percussionist, Puerto Rican born Sammy Figueroa. A variety of well-known background vocalists heighten the listener's overall experience on original songs, "Child's Play" and "You Are My Child," each arrangement builds with new touches throughout the song to its inevitable climax. The lyrics are poetry that stands on its own. Debbie's warm, emotional vocals caress the ear, never too much or too little, always in the pocket, from the most syncopated Latin feel to the soulful ballads. Debbie has the right sound on each of these styles; note her down-to-earth vocal characteristics on Leon Russell's "A Song for You," and how she takes her time, phrasing way behind the beat on the sublime ballad, "Make Someone Happy." Her musicians deliver inspired performances on every cut: Mike Orta on piano, Nicky Orta on electric bass, Carlomagno Araya on drums, Eddie Maina on saxes and flute; plus guests Jamie Ousley on upright bass, Claudio Spiewak on guitar - a jewel of an album that is not your usual singer-plus-trio recording, but a masterwork that delivers surprise after surprise. Just as much care and creativity were given to the imaginative packaging designed by pasitadesign.com. The entire artistic product is worth having in hard copy for your favorite CD collection.