Birds In Flight
Kat Parra
View More by this ArtistOpen iTunes to preview, buy, and download songs from Kat Parra
| Name | Artist | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mais Que Nada | Kat Parra | 5:39 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 2 | Dame la Llave | Kat Parra | 4:39 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 3 | Softly As In a Morning Sunrise | Kat Parra | 4:42 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 4 | Alfonsina y el Mar | Kat Parra | 6:44 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 5 | Birds In Flight | Kat Parra | 5:11 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 6 | Caravan | Kat Parra | 6:07 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 7 | Oleo de una Mujer Con Sombrero | Kat Parra | 4:54 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 8 | These Old Feelings | Kat Parra | 3:55 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 9 | Kuando el Rey Nimrod | Kat Parra | 5:50 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 10 | Quizas Porque | Kat Parra | 3:44 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| Total: 10 Songs |
Album Review
Over the years, Latin jazz has been dominated by instrumentalists. Think of Latin jazz' most celebrated figures, and most of the people who come to mind are instrumentalists (Dizzy Gillespie, Poncho Sanchez, Cal Tjader, and Pucho, among others). And even though many jazz vocalists have included Latin-influenced performances on their albums, it hasn't been their primary focus. Rarely have there been jazz vocalists who considered Latin rhythms a main ingredient instead of a side dish, but an exciting exception to that rule is Kat Parra, who shows considerable promise on her first solo album, Birds in Flight. Latin rhythms are not a mere afterthought for Parra; they are an integral part of her vocal jazz vision, which is best described as pan-Latin because she doesn't embrace any one Latin rhythm exclusively on Birds in Flight. Many times, people who use the term Latin jazz mean Afro-Cuban jazz, but while Afro-Cuban music is a major influence on Birds in Flight, it is hardly the album's only Latin influence; Parra also combines jazz with everything from Brazilian samba ("These Old Feelings") to Spanish flamenco ("Alfonsina y el Mar"). Parra blends Afro-Cuban and Brazilian elements on Jorge Bem's "Mais Que Nada," and "Kuando el Rey Nimrod" finds her putting a jazz spin on a 16th century Sephardic poem. This 51-minute CD, which was produced by trombonist Wayne Wallace, is not only memorable because it is a stylistic rollercoaster; it is also memorable because Parra brings an abundance of warmth and emotion to her performances. Birds in Flight is a consistently rewarding debut from the risk-taking Parra.
Recent Customer Reviews
This CD features the Creme de la creme of the San Francisco Latin Jazz Scene
by KatParraCD Review by Lee Prosser, jazzreview.com
"This is the debut CD of Kat Parra. As vocalist and award-winning songwriter, she is sensitive and spirited in this collection of songs. For a first time out attempt, this CD succeeds with a sweet brilliance and emotional intensity which sets it apart from the crowd.
This woman sings with conviction, devotion, and intense feeling. Her voice is full of sweetness, passion, intimacy, and joy. In the standout selection, "Birds in Flight," the jazz listening audience hears her soul soar vocally, and it is a richly rewarding experience.
There are ten songs featured. The total running time is 51:30 minutes. The songs include "Mais Que Nada," "Dame La Llave," "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise," "Alfonsina Y El Mar," "Birds in Flight," "Caravan," "Oleo De Una Mujer Con Sombrero," "These Old Feelings," "Kuando El Rey Nimrod," and "Quizas Porque." Each song is a testament to Kat Parra's unusual voice and distinctive vocal stylings. There is a direct, open soulfulness which comes across easily in her singing, and it is an enjoyable sound.
The many musicians on the CD are talented, and whether in fine solo work such as performed by violinist Anthony Blea or flutist Masaru Koga, each soars with a fresh, innovative approach. Group harmony is perfect. The musicians give excellent background for the delivery of Kat Parra's intimate vocalizations.
As a debut CD, this one works. There is a certain style about Kat Parra that adds to the oftentimes poignant vocals, and she has a voice that is fresh and imaginative. If you are new to her sound, please give her new debut CD a try --listen to her voice and be entertained by a fresh, captivating talent.
Each song reveals a different message and jazz motif, and is excellent. Kat Parra's rendition of Duke Ellington's "Caravan" is a memorable listening experience, and like the other songs in this fine collection, there to savor again and again and again."
Biography
Born: January 13, 1962 in San Jose, CA
Genre:
Years Active: '80s, '90s, '00s
Top Albums and Songs by Kat Parra
| Name | Album | Time | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sugar (Azucar de Amor) | Azucar de Amor | 5:02 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 2 | Mais Que Nada | Birds In Flight | 5:39 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 3 | Softly As In a Morning Sunrise | Birds In Flight | 4:42 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 4 | Feed My Desire | Azucar de Amor | 5:52 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
| 5 | A Night In Tunisia | Azucar de Amor | 6:39 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
- $9.90
- Genres: Jazz, Music, Latino, Latin Jazz, Vocal, Vocal Jazz
- Released: Jul 05, 2006
- ℗ 2007 Patois Records
