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The press material I received for Michael Paige's self-titled debut album, out now on Astrum Records, explicitly stated that under no circumstances should I be allowed to stream one particular song, "Aqui Esperando".
So naturally, that is the first song I queued up to listen to.
I was pleasantly surprised that "Aqui Esperando" is a Spanish version of "Right Here Waiting", originally by Richard Marx. This kind of legal thing upsets me, because this is actually a very good song, and I'm assuming writing royalties would eventually end up in Marx's pockets - so why bother trying to stop people from hearing this very faithful rendition?
I believe there's only one other cover on this album, is "Eres Tú" a second place winner from Eurovision 1973 by a band called Mocedades.
The song I've chosen for you to check out is "For You", lyrics written by Amy Foster-Gillies with music by music producer Tony Smith, and Michael Paige. Check out the 2:50 mark where Paige really sings his feeling into these words "for you, I do this all because I believe in me".
The album is very easy-listening, centers around Paige's piano playing, and is suited for lounge acts at fancy hotels in Las Vegas (which is where Paige is residing currently). Since the majority of Paige's songs are in English, you should have no problem getting into this pop music.
I would recommend, for a few extra bucks, to get the CD/DVD combo of his album directly from the official website.
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05/21/08 Loyola Academy Wilmette
06/04/08 Plum Grove Rolling Meadws, IL 06/13/08 Alexian Field Schaumburg 06/21/08 Custer Street Fair Evanston, IL 08/10/08 Performing Arts Center, IL 08/18/08 Lake Park Milwaukee, WI 09/13/08 Harper College Palatine, IL |
Their album name, Not Radio Material, couldn't be more approriate. Edward Gabriel's StringFusion music is a very interesting (and rare) blend of classical instrumentals, primarily violin string arrangements, blended with mellow light jazz piano and saxophone riffs.
A sultry vocal is offered on track three, "Would You Be My Valentine" along with a very smooth keyboard solo. The percussion driven samba of track 4, "Mobile", suggests more Latin swing influences, very contemporary and cool. The saxophone on track 5, "I Knew That" really soars to some impressive heights. Down and dirty blues guitar can be heard on the urban slynish of track 6, "Blue 7", probably my favorite composition on this CD.
The fusion of all the musical elements of this band maybe best on display on track 8's "Train Blues". You get the feeling this song was born out of frustration of dealing with Chicago's L-Train, the north Chicago area apparently being this band's home origins.
It's very difficult to put any exacting tag on what this band's sound really, all I know is it makes for some very nice/late night mellow down easy music, a real treat for any jazz enthusiasts.
Links:
edgargabriel.com
myspace.com
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