Jazz Aviary CD Highlights:
 1.  High Flyin' Bird  
 2.  Bird Alone  
 3.  The Peace of Wild Things  
 4.  Songbird  
 5.  Strange Meadowlark  
 6.  Baltimore Oriole  
 7.  Bob White  
 8.  Blackbird  
 9.  The Lark Ascending  
10.  Skylark  
11.  A Gaggle of Geese...  
12.  Ornithology  
13.  Medley:  I'm So Lonesome  
                    Dink's Blues
                    Three Little Birds
14.  Bird in the Rain  
15.  A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley
           Square  
16.  Song of the Birds  

                   Jazz Aviary

                            (GreenGig Music)
                     musical ornithology

                       Produced by

          Jerry Kalaf & Susan Krebs

                 Conceived & Performed by

              Sus     Susan Krebs
                  

                         Musical Director

                          Rich Eames

                     In Collaboration with

                    the Soaring Sextet

                           aka a Murder of Crows

           the     Rich Eames :: Piano
                 Jerry Kalaf :: Drums/Vibes
                        Ken Wild :: Bass

                    Riner Scivally :: Guitar

                Rob Lockart :: Saxes/Flutes
              Scott Breadman  ::  Percussion

                  MB Gordy :: Percussion

                                STRINGS:

         Marcy Vaj :: Violin, Marisa Kuney :: Violin

         Karen Elaine :: Viola, Kevan Torfeh :: Cello

A bird does not sing because it has an answer.

It sings because it has a song.  (Chinese Proverb)

        Jazz Aviary is a celebration of BIRDS --
        and of the universal music we share.

Various incarnations of this concert over 3 years have led

to this recording. There is an arc to this recording, comprised of 16 tracks of wide-ranging music - as well as elements of spoken word and field recordings of birdsongs - reflecting the entire live Jazz Aviary concert.

                       Come fly with us!  Suze

Vocalist Susan Krebs decided a few years ago to devote herself fully to singing, and the jazz world is better for it... Krebs' voice is rich and pure with an enticingly dusky patina. Blessedly free of affectation, she rivals Karrin Allyson and Diane Krall in her ability to climb inside a lyric and make it seem she's lived there all her life.

Under the musical direction of pianist Rich Eames, backed by a sextet and a supplementary string quartet that provide eider-soft yet oak-sturdy nests for each song. Krebs so skillfully invades the likes of "Baltimore Oriole", "Skylark", "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square", Lennon and McCarney's "Blackbird" and Abbey Lincoln's "Bird Alone" that the result is like a series of delicate yet masterfully constructed origami cretures; and her swooping, soaring reinterpretation of "Bob White" is the best, and the most imaginative I've ever heard.

                                  (Christopher Louden  Vox/JAZZ TIMES)

Susan Krebs has nothing but fondness for our feathered friends - and expresses her joyous affection magnificently throughout this fascinating concept project...irresistable offerings from a formidable jazz artist...A lot of great jazz interpreters gather great songs together, but few do it as well and convincingly as Krebs. This is a treat for lovers of birds, jazz and music that makes the heart soar like "A Gaggle of Geese". (Jonathan Widran/AMG)

There's just love and joy and gratitude for the inspiration which motivated this full-throated song fest...Krebs' interpretive passion, intelligence, and love for the project can be heard throughout. (Bob Gish/Jazz Improv)

A fascinating musical presentation... Krebs and her six musicians soar through jazz-in-flight versions of material including Hoagy Carmichael’s “Skylark” and Lennon-McCartney’s “Blackbird”. (Don Heckman/LA Times)

Unique and wonderful!  (JazzReview.Com)

Here's an alluring idea that succeeds in execution...A fresh idea, great theme, "Jazz Aviary" does not have a turkey in the lot.   (All About Jazz)

Jazz Aviary Concert EPK >>>

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Click Here for the
"Jazz Gardener" CD

"Vocalist Susan Krebs, has come to market with another enjoyable CD! Recommended" - LA JAZZ SCENE

"What Am I Here For?" is Krebs’, the self-proclaimed "Jazz Gardener’s", second recording... Krebs is on a quest for spirituality and expresses her search through her music (for example, the lyrics for "What Am I Here For?" take on a deeper meaning.) Krebs manages to add her own style, particularly encouraged by the collaborative nature of the entire project... these performances are meaningful. ... As she has her way with each lyric, her slippery phrasing (check out "Out Of This World") creates an engaging, rather than distracting, presence. Further, there is a deep soulful emotionalism and Blues inflection that suits her alto range quite well. For example, Krebs is at her most distinctive on passionate, melancholy tracks like "Nature Boy" and "Good Morning Heartache". She also demonstrates her keen handling of lyrics on tracks like the ubiquitous "The Way You Look Tonight".

Another key to the success of this album is the quality of musicianship throughout. They support Krebs at every turn, adding important contributions but never outshining her presence. Saxophonist Gary Foster’s satiny, Getz-inspired mellow tenor ("What Am I Here For?" and "The Way You Look Tonight") is particularly noteworthy, while pianist Eames contributes several tuneful solos, particularly on the Latinized "Water Under The Bridge"... "What Am I Here For?" is a consistent program with quality performances by all involved."     (Jay Collins / CADENCE)

Susan Krebs :: Vocals
Scott Breadman :: Percussion
Mike Clinco :: Guitar
Rich Eames :: Piano

Gary Foster :: Sax/Flute
Luther Hughes :: Bass
Jerry Kalaf :: Drums/Vibes
Ken Wild :: Bass

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