Male jazz vocal with piano trio performing creative arrangements of jazz standards - J. D. Walter - voice, Steve Rudolph - piano, Steve Varner - bass, Marko Marcnko - drums

8 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, JAZZ: Traditional Jazz Combo



Details:
vocalist J. D. Walter and pianist Steve Rudolph on their first recording together.
JazzImprov Magazine says "Buy Dedicated To You - jazz lovers of all levels of sincerity will cherish this record."

Dedicated To You features creative arrangements of time-honored standards, a funky Trio version of Ron Carterâs 81, and some new lyrics for a Rudolph original. Included on the recording are the talents of gifted bassist Steve Varner and the always-inspiring drummer Marko Marcinko. This erudite foursome visits many moods and styles while sustaining deep roots in the jazz tradition.. Released in June 2004 on the PACT label, the CD is available at www.steverudolph.com, www.jdwalter.com and www.amazon.com and select stores

THE MUSIC:

Evidently Embraceable - arr. S. Rudolph 4:13 Steve's unusual pairing of Monk's Evidence and Gershwin's Embraceable You.
Dedicated To You - arr. J. D. Walter 6:19 Singer Johnny Hartman's standby features everyone in J. D.'s multi-meter arrangement
The Way You Look Tonight - arr. J. D. Walter 6:53 J.D. gives this one a thoroughly modern treatment
I Was Telling Her About You 5:19 Steve & J. D. are featured in a heartfelt duet
My One And Only Love 5:12 This usually sensitive ballad becomes a vehicle for some serious barn burning.
81 7:29 trio arrangement in a funky boog-a-loo
I Fall In Love Too Easily - arr. J.D. Walter & S. Rudolph 5:42 J. D. & Steveâs arrangement delivers a spatial and haunting mood.
Now It's Time To Go 9:32 Steveâs recent composition (Oscarâs Steppin' Out) received great lyrics from J.D. and a new title.
STEVE RUDOLPH & J.D. WALTER PRESS QUOTES:

" The great ones know when not to play; throughout, Rudolph and his band (featuring J.D. Walter on vocals) aggressively pursue magical moments with discretion. Rudolph, Walter, Varner, and Marcinko fundamentally grasp what works and when. Dedicated to You shows us how. What a power to have." Jazz Improv Magazine Vol. 5, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Gregory Robb, reviewer


"J.D. reinvents the voice as a lead instrument⦠A true bearer of the bebop message for the 21st century."
-PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

âWithout doubt, Rudolph is one of the greatest piano players of our era...a pianist that discovers nuances in each tune.â JOAO de PENHA , Jazz DJ "Jazz & Bossa Nova" - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

"In an age where anyone can put out a CD, J. D. Walter is a true jazz artist for the long haul." -MARK RODNEY, DJ KUNV Jazz 91.5. Las Vegas, Nevada

"... Rudolph is a savvy, swinging, consistent, glimmering heavyweight. His time is impeccable and the subtlety of his articulation and his ability to make dynamic changes is impressive.... Rudolph is outstanding.â JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE

"The really important thing is that starting from the first sound, JD captures the listenersâ attention and now they completely belong to him." MARIA PANTELEYEVA, Poinyl Jazz Report, Nizhniy Novogorod, Russia

"Steve Rudolph is a great artist. I've had the pleasure of playing with Steve and each time is a highlight for me. He is a great pianist, composer and a real gentleman." LOUIE BELLSON

This music was originally recorded as an audition demo and its public release was not planned. After listening to the session, we all thought that it was a very special experience and decided to bring it to light. We hope that you enjoy the spirit of this music and that you will soon have the opportunity to hear this group perform live.

THE PLAYERS:
Compared to jazz greats Betty Carter, Nat Cole, Nina Simone, and Milton Nascimento, vocalist and scat sensation J.D. WALTER has become a singular phenomenon on the music scene. Respected and lauded by the great musicians of the contemporary circuit, J.D. has shared the stage with many legendary artists including: Dave Liebman, Bob Dorough, Billy Hart, Jean-Michel Pilc, Jimmy Bruno, Greg Hutchinson, Ari Hoenig, Tim Warfield, and John Swana. Originally from Pennsylvania, he attended the University of North Texas via a vocal jazz scholarship and became a featured soloist on university recordings. After receiving various awards from the International Association of Jazz Educators, he left the United States to live in Amsterdam, Holland to study with acclaimed recording artist Deborah Brown. J.D.'s CDs include: "Sirens in the C-House" (Dreambox Media Records 2000) & "Clear Day" (Doubletime Records 2001) a collaboration with master musician Dave Liebman. J.D. has toured Europe many times and has been an avid educator and vocal coach for many emerging artists.


STEVE RUDOLPH was born in Evansville, Indiana and studied trumpet and composition under scholarship at Butler University. He switched his instrumental focus to the piano at age 22 and was hired by Buddy Morrow to perform with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1977. Presented as an âEmerging Artistâ at the Jazz Times Convention in New York City in 1998, he was also winner of the 1999 Jazziz Magazine - Seven Springs Jazz Festival Piano Competition and received the prestigious 2002 Harrisburg Arts Award for his service to the community. Seven European tours including a 2003 tour of Russia and Siberia, soloist with Miamiâs New World Symphony, and receiving Pennsylvaniaâs Council on the Arts Jazz Fellowship in 1995 and 2001 highlight his career. Steve has appeared in concert with Louie Bellson, Al Grey, Buddy Tate, Clark Terry, Herb Ellis, the Mills Brothers, and countless other jazz greats. A recording artist and producer, Steve has eight CDs on the R&L label, two on PACT Records, and has recorded with Matt Wilson, Johnny Coles, Cal Collins, Roger Humphries, Joe Hunt, Bill Goodwin, Ali Ryerson, Dwayne Dolphin, Vinny Valentino, Paul Langosch, Joe Negri, Buddy DeFranco, Terry Gibbs, and many more. His detailed recording and touring information may be found at www.steverudolph.com.

Originally from Tennessee, STEVE VARNER lived in Harrisburg, Pa. from 1981 - 2001 and was the most "in demand" bassist in the area. Since moving to New Jersey he has toured with Pat Martino and Tierney Sutton. Steve is one of the most dedicated musicians that I have had the pleasure to know. www.stevevarner.com


MARKO MARCINKO grew up in the Scranton, Pa. area and graduated form the University of Miami's famed jazz program. He has toured with Maynard Ferguson and currently holds down the drum chair with saxophone legend Dave Leibman's group. Also a talented pianist, Marko always delivers that special spark and has an innate intuition to every musical situation.

THE FACTS:
Produced by Steve Rudolph for PACT Records
Recorded 4/16/2003 & mastered 3/29/2004 at Red Rock Recording, Saylorsburg, PA, Kent Heckman, Engineer
Steve Rudolph is a Yamaha Artist - Recorded on a Yamaha C7 Grand Piano