Nora McCarthy
Jazz Voice, Composer, Poet, Improviser, Lyricist, Actor, Educator,
AUTHOR
NORA McCARTHY PEOPLE OF PEACE QUINTET
Nora McCarthy-Voice, Jorge Sylvester-Alto Saxophone, Andrew Green-Guitar & Pedals, Gene Torres-Electric Six-String Bass & Pedals, Kenny Grohowski-Drums
Love, Harmony and Creativity Commingling
The outstanding skill of this tightly knit group cannot be overstated. These highly seasoned and innovative musicians, all of whom are unique and highly expressive improvisers, bring with them a plethora of musical ideas that draw from a global perspective and a variety of musical influences all rooted in the Jazz tradition.
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Their music is an uplifting, inspiring, joyous and magical mix of select jazz standards from the Great American Songbook; instrumental jazz classics, some of which McCarthy penned lyrics for; contemporary modern jazz; bebop; post-bop; soulful blues; reimagined Brazilian and Caribbeans songs; and, McCarthy's original compositions, integrated with her artfully arranged poetry - each one a universe unto itself - all joined together by a common thread - LOVE.
The People of Peace perform in various ensemble groupings and instrumentation from duo to quintet that focuses on sound expression and creative arrangements while magnifying the individual components of the overall ensemble and delivering a deeply interpretative close up connection to the music. Other alternate members of the People of Peace include: Alex Clough - Piano; Pablo Vergara - piano; Donald Nicks - bass; and Marvin Sewell - guitar.
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The instrumentation of the Quintet includes, voice, alto saxophone, piano or guitar, bass, drums.
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The Music of The People of Peace
Nora McCarthy-voice, Jorge Sylvester-alto saxophone,
Marvin Sewell-guitar, Gene Torres-bass, Jay Sawyer-drums
SOME REVIEWS
"Restless Mind" Composition by Nora McCarthy - Live performance at Cornelia Street Cafe with her group The People of Peace featuring Pablo Vergara-piano, Gene Torres-bass, and Kenny Grohowski-drums. Copyright protected.
"If the listener has not heard Nora McCarthy before then blesSINGS is a great introduction to this mature singer who bestows passion and heartfelt humanity in large doses. Her tribute to Butch Morris is a cornerstone of all that is possible when one freely enters the magical world of music.
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From the get-go, Nora's voice and lyrics are captivating. "Love Poem for the People" is a great kick-off. Fantastic arrangements. Her connection to life in all its manifestations and positive energies really sing through you on the entire album.
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Her encouragement for the "Restless Mind" has such a beautiful dreamy quality that encourages minds to wander inside beauty is lovely. "The Blessing" is a really pure revelation. Terrific! A beautiful encouragement to look for and practice love in its many variations. Sylvester's sax is a gorgeous, uplifting alternative voice.
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All the musicians make significant contributions to McCarthy's lush vocal deliveries. "Passion Dance" really conveys her joyously letting go. "Nowhere Ever After" is a purely, magical testament to Butch Morris. I can easily visualize being held in his sway as he elicits soulful expressions. Amazing how he could hold us all in hand; shaping us to pour forth our very best. Nora really rose to the occasion on this one.
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Thank you Nora McCarthy and The People of Peace Quintet for transporting me to that listening space and for your magic." R.I. Sutherland-Cohen /www.jazzexpressions.org