(Vocal Jazz) Michelle Zangara - Songs Of Blue - 2013, MP3, 320 kbps

Born and raised in the Big Apple, Michelle Zangara kicked off her career as an opening act for Rod Stewart who was crazy about Brazilian music and SAMBA. His fascination with the multi-layered rhythms of batucada beats and love for Power Samba band, Pe-De-Boi led to showcasing them @ the Byrne Arena, (home of the Nets and Giants at that time) where thirty-thousand screaming fans moved in time to the drums and watched in fascination as dancer/vocalist/percussionist, Michelle Zangara performed with Pe-De-Boi. Always using the element of surprise Pe-De-Boi made Nightclub appearances at the famed Studio 54, CBGBs, Fat Tuesdays, The Mudd Club, Xenon, Sounds of Brasil (house band for 3 years), Jazz Forum (monthly performances, 3 yrs.), Paradise Garage and many many more. Featured in "Good Morning, New York" television show hosted by Gordon Eliott (present producer of The Chew) Pe-De-Boi surprised an octogenarian couple who answered the front door in their underwear, shocked to find 5 drummers and two sambistas in full regalia! Pe-De-Boi also opened for Jorge Ben and David Johansen. Arkadia Records jazz label produced Pe-De-Boi's debut album and Michelle composed "Samba Summer" and wrote English lyrics for "Copoeira" a popular Brazilian tune. Paul Winter concerts at St. John's Cathedral and the Halloween Parade in NYC's west village were annual performance events for the rhythmical sounds of this popular batucada band. Hollywood came to NYC and "Married To The Mob" starring Michelle Pfeiffer featured Pe-De-Boi" and Michelle's lyric was mentioned in the dialogue between the lead characters after they leave the club. Pe-De-Boi received rave reviews in The New Yorker and Village Voice. This collaboration spanned over eleven years and also included tours to Japan and Brasil. Moving on to pursue a career as an Actress, Michelle was individually featured in the New York Post in a half-page ad and was a finalist in the "New Faces Competition" sponsored by THE FORD AGENCY. This brought her to the attention of music video producers for soul-singer, RON ISLEY. Chosen from over 400 applicants, Michelle was Ron Isley's main squeeze in Isley's Debut Solo Album Release: Spend the Night. The video for "You'll Never Walk Alone" the hit single from the Album featured Michelle Zangara and Ron Isley in a glorious fall setting and a tasteful love scene. "Washington Heights", an Independent Film featured Michelle Zangara, as an "overnight woman" which paired her with Dir., Alfredo Da Villa and Actor, Tomas Milian of "Traffic" fame and picked up awards at Cannes Film Festival for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Signed to Polydor Records, Zangara joined several groups at that time including "Hot Box" as a background vocalist with fellow actor, Lisa Vidal. "Do You Want A Lover, A Latin Lover?" hit the dance charts with a bullet and enjoyed frequent rotation on radio and TV. Other Music endeavors included being produced by Nile Rodgers, Madonna's hit maker. Michelle also appeared on "the party machine" TV show hosted by Nia Peeples (Arsenio Hall, Exec. producer), as part of a hip-hop artist, Trent Dean group signed to Sony Label. This tour included a live performance in a Chicago music festival, as well, Michelle sang background vocals and choreographed dance moves with two other dancers. Her jazz trio has performed in New York City at clubs, bars, and private parties which included a book launch for Joyce Johnson's biography of her EX, Jack Kerouac entitled: "The Voice is All, the silent victory of Jack Kerouac." She has performed at Top Chef's Mario Batali's flagship Restaurant, Del Posto and a fabulous private party at Misha Nicole's for I.A.A.C.'s annual fundraiser in the exclusive Bowery District of NYC. Most recently, she performed with the legendary David Amram at a fundraiser for the "Kerouac House" at Cornelia Street Cafe, which included the film actor, Michael Shannon and author, Joyce Johnson. On the Jazz Scene, Michelle Zangara has played with such notables as Roy Hargrove, Harold Maburn, and has just finished her second solo recording with Bruce Barth and Jeremy Pelt.

This "Songs of Blue" Album marks the Second Release by Jazz Vocalist, Michelle Zangara. These songs are the culmination of years of performance and sessioning with New York's greatest musicians. The difficulty of choosing the right musicians and the right songs that would represent her, came from just doing it, over and over at gigs, clubs and parties. During all her hard work and research, one thing overwhelmingly stood out, "I have got to record this, I have got to make a record." Standards are the focus of Michelle's study, and these songs are so special, so rare. they represent the hidden gems in the American Songbook that go unnoticed or are rarely performed. When you have someone like Bruce Barth chomping so beautifully on songs like "He's Funny That Way" or "I'm In Love Again" it makes the recording go so smoothly and takes the session to another level. Ari Roland goes beyond the call of duty in setting a beautiful rhythm and gives Michelle's vocals such gravitas. The Great Charles Goold is holding the tempo so brightly and expertly on "Never Let Me Go" and ever so delicately on "I'm In Love Again." These arrangements were largely due to the Wonderful Jeremy Pelt, who was Producing and also playing on "Under a Blanket of Blue." Ned Goold and Dwayne Clemons provide the final touch of melodic horns which bring drama and finesse to the whole picture as well as THE BLUE. "I am so proud of this release and hope that listeners enjoy these sounds which i offer with all my Heart. I must thank the support from my family especially my Husband and friends who made this possible."