KEN SLAVIN: "THOUGHTS OF YOUR SMILE" ('Manha de Carnaval')

New lyrics, written by San Antonio musician Barry Brake, to the classic bossa nova melody, "Manha de Carnaval," by Luiz Bonfa. I am the first to record these beautiful words and the song is featured on my latest CD, "I'll Take Romance." Barry also wrote the arrangement - with real violins - and was producer on my album. He is an incredibly talented musician and wonderful friend. Musicians featured on this track are Morris Nelms on piano; Polly Harrison on guitar; Chuck Moses on bass; Kevin Hess on drums; and the Roth Sisters on violins. THIS RECORDING IS COPYRIGHT KEN SLAVIN, 2007, KRS 1961 Recordings, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Licensing fees paid through Harry Fox Agency, New York. This song and the entire CD are available at several fine online stores, including Apple iTunes and CD Baby (http://www.CDBaby.com/kenslavin2).

My official websites are http://www.KenSlavin.com, http://www.MySpace.com/kenslavin and http://www.Facebook.com/ken.slavin.

TO VIEW PERFORMANCE VIDEO, CLICK ON THIS LINK:
http://kenslavin.com/index.php?page=pages/musicvideo.html&menu_id=121

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"

Category:

Music

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• Ken
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[AlanDeValle]

How did I miss this one?? It's really wonderful...one of your best Ken. Keep the pipes warm and thanks for sharing your gifts with the world.

[SanAntonioCrooner]

@AlanDeValle Dear Alan, Thank you so very much for your very kind message! I appreciate it so much. And, of course, I'm glad you enjoyed the song. It's from my last CD and I'll admit I'm pretty proud of it! Your support is very encouraging to me! Thanks again! - Ken

[PatronSaintOfMe]

Wow, this is wonderful! I had no idea people still made good music like this!

[SanAntonioCrooner]

@PatronSaintOfMe  Why, thank you so much! What a lovely comment! I really appreciate the time you took to watch my video and to comment! Please subscribe to my channel! Best, Ken

[BocaFriend]

Ken this is a sumptuous offering and is pure class

in every way. I love Barry Brake's interpretation

and this has the serene sensuality of an Andy Williams

type of moment. Heady stuff. I've sent it to a friend

who hosts a Bossa radio program in the northeast.

Cheers, ~Terry

[SanAntonioCrooner]

@BocaFriend Terry, thank you so very much! This track has enjoyed good airplay in San Antonio on the few jazz programs here. And it has enjoyed some good online sales, as well. I hope your friend likes it! I'm glad we have connected here on You Tube - thanks to Marc! I love your channel. I think your "Smile" video is fabulous. I'll be watching more of your offerings soon! Sincerely, Ken

[barryhowardbrake]

@defrancesb Heh, well I do indeed have a lot of nerve, as did Carl Sigman, who wrote the new lyrics "A Day in the Life of a Fool," completely unrelated to the original song by Luis Bonfa.

If we'd *both* left well enough alone, the song would be in Portuguese — of course, some people would rather hear it in Portuguese (and thankfully can), but many would never have heard it at all without those nervy English lyrics. (There's also another set sung by Perry Como.) Glad you like it, though!

[MusicalFeelings]

A beautifully intimate rendition of this wonderful song!! Thanks!!

[SanAntonioCrooner]

@nagamauk  Thank you so much! You made my day! Best, Ken

[SanAntonioCrooner]

@macatcas Hello! And thank you very, very much! I hope you'll subscribe to my channel. Thanks again for such a lovely comment! -- Ken