Telling Tales by Roz Corral

Corral is an excellent story teller and Telling Tales aptly describes the essence of her singing style. As the great jazz vocalist Mark Murphy puts it: "...Roz always goes to the heart of a song." In his liner notes, Chicago broadcaster/writer Neil Tesser has this to say: "She finds the heart of a song's message, as contained in the lyrics, then she finds the best way to convey that message musically, in a timbre adult, throaty, and knowing. Telling Tales may be her first album, but his is no ingénue; her command of phrasing proves that."

Another important aspect of Roz Corral's singing is her great swing feel. Pianist, Bruce Barth notes "She has a freedom of phrasing and rhythm that, for me, are the essence of jazz singing." This combination of attention to lyric and musical ease is evident in her swinging opener, "Too Close For Comfort," her hard-hitting version of "I'll Never Be The Same," the Brazilian feel of Frishberg's "Wheelers and Dealers," or her poignant versions of the rarely heard "I've Got No Strings" and "Say It Isn't So."

Clearly in her element, Roz Corral is known for her live performances, where her sense of joy is palpable. She performed with her sextet to a sold-out audience at New York's Jazz Standard. She has performed as part of the JVC Jazz Festival's club participation at Sweet Rhythm; and has performed at the 55 Bar, Smoke, the Zinc Bar, Flushing Town Hall and holds forth at a regular Sunday jazz brunch with notable guitar/bass backing at North Square, in the Washington Square Hotel.

(www.northsquarejazz.com)

Her band lends invaluable support to this first project. Reedman Steve Wilson has performed as a member of two of the finest working bands in jazz, those led by Dave Holland and Chick Corea. In the latter he played with trombonist Steve Davis and versatile drummer Jeff Ballard. Ballard and the extraordinary bassist Larry Grenadier currently anchor the Brad Mehldau Trio. Both guitarist/arranger John Hart and co-producer, pianist/arranger Bruce Barth have a series of well-received recordings as leaders. Barth, who gained recognition as part of Terence Blanchard's group, is also known for his work with such notables as Nancy Wilson and Toots Thielman, as well as the highly regarded newcomers Luciana Sousa and Carla Cook.

What People Are Saying:

With a voice as cozy as a goose-down duvet and as clear and sparkling as spring water, Roz Corral is that rare sort of jazz singer who makes it all seem deceptively easy. Obviously influenced by Carmen McRae, Corral traverses 11 well-known standards with the panache of a born storyteller, investing the likes of Sondheim's "Anyone Can Whistle," Mercer's "Something's Gotta Give" and Pinocchio's "I've Got No Strings" (a particular standout) with unfailing charisma.

Given the impeccable quality of her musicianship, it is no wonder Corral was able to corral a bounty of top players for her recording debut. Indeed, it's hard to imagine a recording neophyte (though refreshingly, no youngster) in better company than pianist Bruce Barth (who doubles as Corral's co producer), bassist Larry Grenadier, reedman Steve Wilson, guitarist John Hart, trombonist Steve Davis and drummer Jeff Ballard. Nor is it any wonder that authorities no less than Fred Hersch and Mark Murphy have dubbed her respectively, "the real deal" who "always goes to the heart of a song."

Christopher Loudon, JazzTimes, August 2005

"This (Telling Tales) is not about lying but about the importance of narrative and finding truth. The tunes here are all standards in one way or another--there's music from film, from Broadway, from the pen of a contemporary wizard and more--and Corral, with her dark, rich vocal instrument and a simple, refined sensibility that encompasses jazz and a whole lot more, finds the essence of all of them."

Donald Elfman, All About Jazz

The singer's got a rep for giving her band members lots to work with-meaning she's just as much an improviser as a saloonster. She's just released Telling Tales, a disc that's proud of its esprit. From the bounce of "Anyone Can Whistle" to the scat of "I've Got No Strings," you can tell she's an optimist. Hip band, too."

Jim Macnie Village Voice

"Often such attention to lyrics by arranger, singer and musicians alike is not given. This is the beauty of "Telling Tales." The album tells a sort of musical story that is richly illustrated and comes full-circle emotionally; up, down, around, and finishing upbeat again. The icing on the cake is Roz Corral's voice; with distinctive timbre that isn't too much, and a delivery that's right-on on each and every note."

Paul Lewis, All About Jazz.com

"Her recording debut proves a winner, as Corral dives in and comes up full of life. These songs are in her heart. Corral has latched onto a solid ensemble of improvising musicians who help her make this affair unique."

Jim Santella, Cadence Magazine

"While the songs are familiar her sprightly interpretations dance over our old notions of how they should be sung."

Pam Guthrie, jazzreview.com

"At long last, Roz Corral has a CD on the market, so that a wider audience can enjoy the artistry of this terrific New York City-based vocalist. "Telling Tales" (Blujazz - 3335) is aptly named, as Corral is an effective communicator of lyrics, and the program is replete with lyrics worthy of her efforts. The selections are "Too Close for Comfort," "Wheelers and Dealers," "Little Girl Blue," "I'll Never Be the Same," "Anyone Can Whistle," "Let's Face the Music and Dance," "I've Got No Strings," "Change Partners," "Out of This World," "Say It Isn't So" and "Something's Gotta Give." She has a rich sound that lends itself well to the vocal shadings at which she is so adept. Having the likes of Bruce Barth on piano, Steve Wilson on reeds, Steve Davis on trombone, John Hart on guitar, Larry Grenadier on bass and Jeff Ballard on drums is a definite plus. Recently, Corral introduced this release at a gig at the Jazz Standard in Manhattan. The room was packed for two sets, and there was a strong turnout of other singers, all of whom were thrilled by Roz's performance, and her appearance at one of the city's major jazz venues. While this may be Corral's first recording, it has a maturity, also readily on display at her Jazz Standard show, that is the result of many years of constant gigging in the city that is most demanding on performers in any genre of music, and especially so of jazz singers. May this disc be the first of many!"

Joe Lang, Jersey Jazz

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