From my latest CD, "I'll Take Romance." I set this classic 1960s bossa nova to pictures I took along the San Antonio River Walk. I hope you like it! MUSICIANS ON THIS TRACK: Morris Nelms, piano; Chuck Moses, bass; Henry Brun, congas; Kevin Hess, drums; Ken Slavin, vocals. Produced by Barry Brake and Ken Slavin.
This wonderful song -- also known as 'So Nice' or its original Portuguese title, "Samba de Verão" -- was written in 1966 by Brazilian composer Marcos Valle, with English-language lyrics by Norman Gimbel and Portuguese lyrics by Paulo Sérgio Valle, brother to the composer. The song was first popularized by the Walter Wanderley Trio in 1966 and also reached "hit" status for Johnny Mathis, Vikki Carr, and Connie Francis.
For more information on my music, visit http://www.KenSlavin.com, http://www.MySpace.com/kenslavin or http://www.Facebook.com/ken.slavin. To purchase this song or the entire CD, visit Apple iTunes or these other sites:
http://www.CDBaby.com/kenslavin2
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KenSlavin
"I'LL TAKE ROMANCE," Copyright Ken Slavin/KRS1961 Recordings, 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This song and all contents of the CD recorded with permission - rights paid through Harry Fox Agency, New York City. Produced by Ken Slavin and Barry Brake.
SELECT MEDIA REVIEWS:
"Through hard work, determination, innate chops and...good sense...Slavin became a first-class singer with a repertoire that transcends nostalgia. And it hasn't hurt that Slavin has become a top-flight showman. I'll Take Romance is a romantic effort indeed, packed with ballads including "But Beautiful,"... and "Alone." To describe the CD as anything but beautiful would be a mistake. Though it's ballad heavy, with only a few selections, including "Just You, Just Me" and "Day by Day," hitting the up category, Slavin's voice is excellent, Brake's production deft and the music, by Slavin's band and a few talented guests, is exactly what the songs call for." - JIM BEAL, MUSIC WRITER/COLUMNIST, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
"Jazz and cabaret singer Ken Slavin has what it takes to make hearts melt: a deep baritone voice that fills the room and a sincere approach to lyrics that reach out tenderly with genuine passion. . .His recording session centers on the piano trio, which helps to lift his voice over this program of familiar songs. With pianist Morris Nelms, double bassist Chuck Moses, and drummer Kevin Hess, the singer gives each song a gentle caress and a big hug. Up-tempo romps satisfy as thoroughly as do his slow ballads. "Just You, Just Me" works the best in this context, giving the session a sparkle through its quick pace and energetic pulse. . . Overall, the singer's clear diction adds considerably to his image as a persuasive saloon singer. . . Slavin feels as comfortable with Brazilian romance as he does with Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, Jimmy Van Heusen, and Harold Arlen: honoring a timeless songbook that will never be forgotten." - JIM SANTELLA, CADENCE
"During an era when male jazz singers are few and far between, a new recording by Ken Slavin is a welcome event. Although born in 1961, Slavin loves to sing songs written long before he was born, standards from the 1930s through the 50s. Based in San Antonio, he did not begin singing professionally until 1990 but has since become established as arguably the citys top jazz crooner or saloon singer. On Ill Take Romance, Ken Slavin sounds warm and expressive on the ballads while cooking on the uptempo tunes, most notably Just You, Just Me. He sticks to the lyrics while his phrasing gives the music a strong jazz feeling. Joined by pianist Morris Nelms trio, a few guest soloists (including [Grammy winning] trumpeter Al Gomez) and occasionally four violins, he swings his way through16 standards including Tea For Two, Ill Take Romance, Day By Day and Summer Samba, making the vintage material sound fresh and lively. This is a fun CD that is easily recommended to fans of the small field of male jazz singers." - SCOTT YANOW, NATIONALLY ACCLAIMED JAZZ BIOGRAPHER AND CRITIC, LOS ANGELES JAZZ SCENE
"A sultry, late-night ode to love...a seductive 16-song collection that features both the lushest texture(particularly with the string-laden bookends Thoughts of Your Smile and Ill Take Romance) and the most intimate, casual vibe ever heard on a Slavin album...More than most contemporary interpreters of the Great American Songbook, Slavin delights in turning his material sideways, making even the most familiar tunes sound like new discoveries..." - GILBERT GARCIA, MUSIC EDITOR, SAN ANTONIO CURRENT
"The new CD is really special. Weve been playing it pretty much every day since we got it, and I did a 30-minute feature a few weeks ago on the South Texas Jazz Project show. I hope the disc is getting national attention, because it deserves to be heard in L.A., New York City, etc." -AARON PRADO, MUSIC DIRECTOR, KRTU-FM 91.7, "JAZZ FOR SAN ANTONIO"
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Jazzattack - "Summer Samba"by stefanrademacher8,613 views
Real Nice, I love this song, and you did it with style, and grace, comfortable listening;
loved the pictures in this video also.
Keep swinging ~ Ron Croft.
SirRonCroft 9 months ago
@SirRonCroft Hi Ron! Thanks! I really appreciate it!
SanAntonioCrooner 9 months ago
Wow... Love this! Wonderful rendition. Was jamming along on my bass!
ianidinuse 9 months ago
@ianidinuse Hi! Thank you very much for the kind comment! And I hope you had fun jamming! Best, Ken
SanAntonioCrooner 9 months ago
Nice song and style.....I think that you may have taken a PIC of my Hotel where I stayed before...nice Pics too
MrHydra19 10 months ago
@MrHydra19 Hi there! Thank you! Did you stay at the La Mansion del Rio? It's a beautiful hold hotel! I'm glad you have visited our city before. It is a wonderful place to visit - and to live! Thanks for the lovely comments on my music. I appreciate it very much! Best, Ken
SanAntonioCrooner 10 months ago