Instantly embraceable jazz -- Stephens reveals towering talents.
For her third album as a leader, composer/pianist Amy Stephens takes her eight-year group through a set of originals inspired by recent life changes, including her move from the Midwest to Seattle. With interests ranging from Brazilian and Afro-Cuban to Mainstream and European chamber jazz, Stephens performs eclectic yet seamless music that's been described as "...passionate, innovative, engaging and witty" by Indianapolis' Nuvo.
The Amy Stephens Group has performed in major festivals and concert series throughout the Midwest and is building a new audience in the Pacific Northwest. They have performed at many festivals including the American Pianists Association Festival and have appeared in four PBS television jazz specials. Their previous two CD releases have received generous airplay on jazz radio, and Amy's compositions have been included on eight CD compilations.
Track Listing:
1. Reunion 5:52
2. Breakfast in Atlanta 5:45
3. Lullaby 6:07
4. There Must Be a Place Called Heaven 5:33
5. Waiting for You 4:01
6. My Many Moods* 5:14
7. Inquietude of the Soul 4:03
8. Tranquility 5:41
Performers:
Tom Clark - soprano & tenor saxophones
Amy Stephens - piano
Jack Helsley - bass
Kenny Phelps - drums
Brian Kent - soprano saxophone*
Clipper Anderson - bass*
John Bishop - drums*
Production Info:
Produced by Amy Stephens
Recorded December 2004 at Airtime Studio, Bloomington, IN
Engineered and mixed by Dave Weber
"My Many Moods"ù recorded January 2005 at Avast Studios, Seattle, WA
Engineered by Donn Devore
Mixed by Tom Hall at Triad Studios, Redmond, WA
Mastered by Mark Guenther at Seattle Disc Mastering, Shoreline, WA
Musician photography by Kevin Swan & Tom Clark
Cover photography by Todd Bishop
Layout and design by John Bishop
Reviews of My Many Moods
All Music Guide (Adam Greenburg)
The third album from pianist Amy Stephens shows off a noteworthy maturity in composition. While portions of the album rest in somewhat stereotypical nightclub-style balladry, the majority of the works are in a highly structured modern jazz vein. Stephens suggests Keith Jarrett on the keys from time to time, with some dexterous moves inspired it wou ...
All About Jazz (Alain Londes)
Amy Stephens released her debut album in ë98, yet My Many Moods offers a better sense of her piano talents. This is her first recorded statement following her move to Seattle, among other changes in her life. The overall feel is eclectic yet smooth.
One could imagine driving along the West Coast with the easygoing sound of the group dominated b ...
Jazz Review (Peter Westbrook)
The third release by pianist/composer Amy Stephens provides further confirmation that jazz has matured sufficiently as an art form to serve as a vehicle for very different, very individual moods and feelings. With a background that includes classical training, study with jazz educator David Baker, and experience as music director for various church ...