The Things That Are Real by Benita Hill

I have recorded the entire CD at home, on the Roland 1680. I've enjoyed participating in the technical side of things this time. The approach is minimalistic, lots of space for reflection. Confucius said "music is the space between the notes".The only musicians are the extraordinary jazz keyboardist Kevin Madill and country guitar virtuoso Chris Leuzinger..........I like the combination of this vibe. I added drum loops on four songs; sound wizard Gene Eichelberger did the mixing.

I hope you are moved by "The Things That Are Real".

NASHVILLE- Two number one songs by Garth Brooks-and she's not even country!In the world of jazz, Benita Hill's one-two punch is hitting its mark. The former background singer for the Allman Brothers Band released her first critically acclaimed CD, Fan The Flame, and established herself as a silky-voiced stylist and hit songwriter.In addition to Brooks, Hill's songs have been recorded by Isaac Hayes and Kirk Whalum, among others. Her live performances regularly receive accolades and Hill has shared the stage with such jazz/pop luminaries as Boney James, Chuck Mangione, Kirk Whalum Michael Franks and Yolanda Adams, to mention a few.

Fan the Flame elicited these raves:

"One of the top ten albums of the year"(Entertainment At Home),"An immensely involving vocalist"(Billboard),"Sexy enough to put a eunuch in the mood"(Charles Earle, In Review),"Music with a languid, timeless quality that draws on pop standards and cocktail jazz...a stylist on the order of Julie London or Peggy Lee"(Michael McCall, Nashville Scene),"An exquisitely crafted recording from an amazing talent"(Brent Clanton,KODA,Houston).

Her second CD, Tangerine Moon, features the title cut and fourteen songs ranging from the sultry Southern style "Dream About You" to a swinging "More Money". The final cut on the album, "It Was Your Song" is Benita's touching and emotional tribute to her mother, Carmen Revelle, who in the 1950's sang with a big band that broadcast live on NBC radio from the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.

Jazz from Nashville? Jazz at its purest freely interprets myriad influences.Benita's standard-sounding original songs crossed so many boundaries that even Garth Brooks is a fan and was moved to record three of her compositions."Take The Keys To My Heart" and "Two Pina Coladas" (also a #1 single) were on his Sevens album and "It's Your Song" (renamed as a dedication to his mother) was the first single from his Double Live CD.

Benita's limited edition Christmas release, Winter Fire And Snow was one of the top selling CDs in Nashville and was the Tennessean's critic's choice as best album of the season.It has been re-released with the addition of a new track featuring Kirk Whalum . Ten percent of the sales from this CD benefit Gilda's Club, Nashville.

Benita has brought her original music and vocal stylings to audiences everywhere from Chicago to New York, Houston, London, Dublin and Rome. Her road to success has been a roller coaster ride of the highest highs and lowest lows imaginable.The thrill of having Garth Brooks, one of the world's biggest recording artists, record her songs. At the same time, Hill, a single mom, was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fully recovered now, with her music stretching the boundaries of country, jazz and pop, Benita is here to stay. She has proved her artistry and her mettle.

Benita's biography and song clips are on the web at benitahill.com

For additional information: Watermark Records (615) 646-6777

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