Amber Whitlock is writing and producing
partner to Rob Whitlock for their many projects along
the way, as well
as being his wife. A session singer since the mid
seventies, Amber has been singing Jazz and Popular
music for years and is well seasoned and mature
in her approach. Her voice is creamy & reaching
and she has been known to bring feelings to the
surface that you didn't know you were having.
Her
debut release cd "The Colours of Life" includes
original songs
as well as covers of "Betcha' By Golly Wow" the old Philly Sound classic, "When
She Loved Me" by Randy Newman, and a unique version of "When I Look
In Your Eyes" from the original Dr. Doolittle musical, with an incredible & unusual
solo from Anthony Jackson on bass.
Original song "Queen of Mediocrity",
features guitar god Scott Henderson tearing a hole through the dark corners of
your brain. And Jazz great Michael
Brecker joins Amber on the title cut playing with such soul that it permeates
your very existence. Rob teams up with Amber and accoustic bassist Trey Henry
to underscore with tenderness and simplicity "When She Loved Me", an
almost classical endeavor. Other songs include a gorgeous gospel choir of LA's
top singers & a vocoder solo by Rob, playing along with friend & guitarist
Brian Price.
There are two Old School Duets featured, the first with Jim Gilstrap
of Stevie
Wonder fame ("You are The Sunshine of My Life"). Jim always brings
it on home the very first time around with his warm rich baritone voice, and
luscious falsetto. "Until Now" features a favorite partner of Amber's,
Leonard Tucker, who blends with her like milk with honey for a playful romp echoing
the classic group Sea Wind.
Having enlisted the immeasurable talent
of Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, tasteful
grooves on the title song, ballads and even one song in seven, are delivered;
reminding us why Sting, Faith Hill & Frank Zappa, among others, count Vinnie
as their favorite drummer. Cliff Almond, also one of the nation's powerhouse
drummers, is one with Anthony whether playing swing, salsa, fusion or pop. Here
he rocks out on "Too Cool To Fool" and instills mystery and vision
to "When I Look In Your Eyes".
The cd is
reminiscent of the warm sounds of the 70s and early
80s old school soul and jazz, and can be listened
to intently
for
nuance of musicianship, or
used as a soundtrack to your own busy life. Either way the sounds and songs
are soothing, inspiring and haunting. Original
artwork is by Lanet and
photography by Rob Whitlock. This cd is enhanced
with an original
short movie about the making of the Sketchin' projects
created by Amber, with artwork by Julius Pastorius
and others. Purchase
cd here and view other ways to purchase music
by Amber.
Influences
include: Billie Holiday, Roberta Flack, Phyllis Hyman,
Nancy Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and
many
others.
Currently Amber is listening to Diana Krall, Norah Jones and Madeline
Peyroux...
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