The album is an exploration of the variety of sounds and styles possible with a musical duo: Big Mama Sue's voice and percussion, and Mr. Excitement's (Chris Calabrese) piano (and voice and a lot of other bells and whistles). Arrangements were a collaborative effort. We run the gamut from sweet ballads (La Vie En Rose, That's All) to lightning-speed stride (This Joint is Jumpin'). We hope you have as much fun as we did exploring the musical cliches of the 50's pop scene (The Wayward Wind).
There is one school of thought on proper album construction that mandates a "theme" or consistency of mood or style. We chose the second type of album construction, which more accurately reflects our live performance style: an eclectic program designed to entertain, as in a concert. So, you'll get a variety of standards specially arranged (If Dreams Come True, My Buddy), and also a mix of comedy and odd tidbits (Bells Medley, Plus Je T'Embrase). Have fun!
Reviewer Mike Foley, Sacratmento Traditional Jazz Society had this to say July 2004 "A great-fun CD with more than a smattering of good jazz...rockin' piano style...Vocals are of course wonderful as always..."
REVIEWER Cam Miller had this to say March 2005: "Sue Kroninger, both a scrubber and a singer ...is joined here by Mr. Excitement AKA CHris Calabrese, a splendid pianist and vocalist. The result is a recording that will put a smile in your heart."
American Rag May 2005
Big Mama Sue was chosen Musician of the year at Dixieland Monterey 2005. They had this to say: "Always a favorite headliner, Big Mama Sue is more than just an accomplished jazz musician, she's also a tribute to the good things in life--good music, good friends, good fun and good imagination...If you lose your smile on the way in, don't worry, it'll show up when Big Mama Sue steps on stage."
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.bigmamasue.com
Track List:
1. This Joint is Jumpin'
2. If Dreams Come True
3. Plus Je T'Embrase
4. Honeysuckle Rose
5. Keeping Out of Mischief
6. Frankie & Johnnie
7. My Buddy
8. Cuban Pete
9. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
10. Maple Leaf Rag
11. La Vie En Rose
12. Sisters
13. Paper Moon
14. Medley: If I Were a Bell/Ring Dem Bells
15. You Took Advantage of Me
16. That's All
17. The Wayward Wind
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
There is one school of thought on proper album construction that mandates a "theme" or consistency of mood or style. We chose the second type of album construction, which more accurately reflects our live performance style: an eclectic program designed to entertain, as in a concert. So, you'll get a variety of standards specially arranged (If Dreams Come True, My Buddy), and also a mix of comedy and odd tidbits (Bells Medley, Plus Je T'Embrase). Have fun!
Reviewer Mike Foley, Sacratmento Traditional Jazz Society had this to say July 2004 "A great-fun CD with more than a smattering of good jazz...rockin' piano style...Vocals are of course wonderful as always..."
REVIEWER Cam Miller had this to say March 2005: "Sue Kroninger, both a scrubber and a singer ...is joined here by Mr. Excitement AKA CHris Calabrese, a splendid pianist and vocalist. The result is a recording that will put a smile in your heart."
American Rag May 2005
Big Mama Sue was chosen Musician of the year at Dixieland Monterey 2005. They had this to say: "Always a favorite headliner, Big Mama Sue is more than just an accomplished jazz musician, she's also a tribute to the good things in life--good music, good friends, good fun and good imagination...If you lose your smile on the way in, don't worry, it'll show up when Big Mama Sue steps on stage."
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.bigmamasue.com
Track List:
1. This Joint is Jumpin'
2. If Dreams Come True
3. Plus Je T'Embrase
4. Honeysuckle Rose
5. Keeping Out of Mischief
6. Frankie & Johnnie
7. My Buddy
8. Cuban Pete
9. Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams
10. Maple Leaf Rag
11. La Vie En Rose
12. Sisters
13. Paper Moon
14. Medley: If I Were a Bell/Ring Dem Bells
15. You Took Advantage of Me
16. That's All
17. The Wayward Wind
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- JAZZ: Dixieland
- JAZZ: Jazz Vocals
- FEATURING PIANO