This is the title track from my latest CD, "I'll Take Romance." The song - which comes from the 1937 Broadway musical of the same name and was written by Oscar Hammerstein II and Ben Oakland - features my long-time jazz trio of Morris Nelms on piano, Chuck Moses on bass, and Kevin Hess on drums - with the gorgeous accompaniment of a string section from the San Antonio Symphony, arranged and conducted by my producer, Barry Brake.
To order this CD online (or for digital downloads), visit http://www.CDBaby.com/kenslavin2. The album is also available on Apple iTunes, Rhapsody and other fine online digital download sites. My official websites are http://www.KenSlavin.com, http://www.MySpace.com/kenslavin and http://www.Facebook.com/ken.slavin
"I'LL TAKE ROMANCE" IS COPYRIGHT 2007 BY KRS1961 RECORDINGS (Ken Slavin), ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. LICENSING FEES AND PERMISSION TO RECORD PAID THROUGH THE HARRY FOX AGENCY, NEW YORK, NEW YORK.
SELECT MEDIA REVIEWS:
"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 'I'll 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
"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 'I'll Take Romance,' Ken Slavin sounds warm and expressive on the ballads while cooking on the up-tempo 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
"The new CD is really special. We've 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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Jazz, soul music - Gregory Porter - Lonely oneby motemamusic64,467 views
Great Ken! Such a nice arrangement with the strings too! Best Wishes_Walt
waltandrus 3 weeks ago
@waltandrus Hi, Walt! Thanks a million for the kind words! My producer wrote the string arrangement and we hired some San Antonio Symphony players to record with me. It was a great experience! I appreciate your thoughtfulness! Best wishes to you, too....Ken
SanAntonioCrooner 3 weeks ago
Wonderful rendition of this lovely song !!
MusicalFeelings 3 weeks ago
@MusicalFeelings Thank you so very much! And thank you for the very thoughtful comments on the other videos! I appreciate it so much! Sincerely, Ken
SanAntonioCrooner 3 weeks ago
0:58, I got goosebumps, well done.
travisrules14 1 month ago
@travisrules14 Hi there! Thank you so very much for your kind words! I hope you'll subscribe to the channel! And share with your friends!
SanAntonioCrooner 3 weeks ago