Kevyn Lettau
Universal Language
This was last recording I made for an American based company for 10 long years. I had high hopes for this record. I felt we had created a wonderful combination of beautiful music that would be able to cross over into what was happening to Jazz radio. Let me try to briefly explain; there used be 2 kinds of Jazz radio; the traditional, which plays only acoustic Jazz, and the "Smooth Jazz", which 12 years ago was still open to playing live music without drum machines and with interesting harmonies and solos. As Smooth Jazz kept getting smoother (is that a word?), they stopped playing my music and I fell into this crack between the acoustic and the smooth. Oh well, such is life!
On this record I wrote lyrics to some songs that had been written as instrumentals like Pat Metheny's "Secretly Begin" and a song by Brazil's composer Djavan. I love doing that. The melodies are challenging and so much fun to sing!
Jazz pianist, Billy Childs and I wrote two songs. I wrote my first lyric to a melody by Yutaka. I was also very excited to get to record a few more songs from the pen of Michael Ruff on this recording and we were able to have him play with us too!
I have been so lucky to get to play music with some of the best piano players in the world; Mitchell Forman, Russell Ferrente and Billy Childs, all of which are featured on this CD!
Tracks
1) Tribute to You
2) Secretly Begin
Lyrics & More...
3) Universal Language
Lyrics & More...
4) Underneath the Face of the Moon
Lyrics & More...
5) Seeing for the Very First Time
Lyrics & More...
6) Our Lasting Love
Lyrics & More...
7) Beatriz
8) Gentle Flower
Lyrics & More...
9) Three Little Words
Lyrics & More...
10) Love Is Unconditional
Lyrics & More...
11) Dein 1st Mein Ganzes Herz
Lyrics & More...
12) Only Trust Your Heart
General Info
Released: 1995
Record Label: JVC
Musicians:
Russell Ferrante, Mitchell
Forman, Billy Childs &
Michael Ruff (Keyboards)
Gary Meek (Saxophone)
Alphonso Johnson, Jimmy Haslip (Bass)
Luis Conte, Alex Acuña (Percussion)
Mike Shapiro (Drums & Percussion)
Bill Cantos, Nadia, Scott
Mayo & Kevyn Lettau
(Background Vocals)