Outstanding, eloquent vocalist and world-class musicians offer an eclectic, smooth-jazz CD containing 12 classic jazz standards and jazz pop songs, representing some of the finest songwriters in American popular music history.

12 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Vocals, EASY LISTENING: Love Songs

Show all album songs: Joy Ride Songs


Details:
Lou Ann Gurney is an outstanding jazz vocalist from the island of Hawaii. Her CD Joy Ride contains 12 classic jazz standards and jazz pop songs and represents some of the finest songwriters in American popular music history including Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Peggy Lee and Irving Berlin.

Ms. Gurneyâs vocal style has been hailed asââ¦Gershwinesque charming and reminiscent of a simpler time of innocenceâ¦â by Desiree Moana Cruz of the Hawaii Island Journal. And Wayne Harada of the Honolulu Advertiser says of Lou Ann, âGurney sings with a gentle, sincere eloquenceâ¦â

Ms. Gurney has been performing on the Big Island for many years, focusing on classic jazz standards. Her familiarity with the genre allows her a natural feel for and kinship with the 12 tunes on the CD. Opening with Peggy Leeâs âI Donât Know Enough About Youâ, Gurney sets the tone for the entire CD â a kind of
I-love-these-songs-and-you-will-too attitude that pervades throughout.

Commenting from her home in Puna Ms. Gurney remarked, âIâm deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to make this CD. It exceeds my expectations. Thank you to Gregg and all the musicians who contributed their creative energy to make Joy Ride something Iâm really proud of."

The project was produced and arranged by Big Island producer Gregg Perry and recorded at Perryâs Peck Tunes Studio in Ainaloa. âThis CD is sparked by high octane players and infectious grooves,â commented Perry. âLou Ann and I have been working on this project for the past year. I couldnât be more pleased with the level of professionalism and creativity that Lou Ann has achieved with every performance on this production. I donât know anyone who wouldnât enjoy this CD.â

On the CD Perry also plays piano, Hammond B 3 organ, and other instruments. Big Island musician Ahti Mohala contributes inventive sax and clarinet solos in various styles. Volcano Choy graces the bossa nova classic âThe Gentle Rainâ with a virtuosic trumpet solo. And multi-talented L.A. musician/producer Stephan Oberhoff adds a dazzling guitar and piano and is credited with two superb string arrangements on âOur Love Is Here To Stayâ and âIn The Still Of The Night.â