Rumford, RI--March 24, 2005--Al Basile has a range of influences including Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Nat Cole, Solomon Burke, Muddy Waters, and Lonnie Johnson. However, it all started for him when he heard "All or Nothing at All" by Sinatra with the Harry James orchestra on a 78 that his mother had around the house.
Several decades later, a culmination of events coupled with experiences and influences evolved and Basile recorded the jazz album Red Breath. He was not interested in doing the typical covers or a bland contemporary recording. Something different and memorable was in order. Tireless research of favorite Vernon Duke and Rodgers and Hart compositions that were virtually unknown but just right, yielded songs selected for the album. Although it is a departure from his blues work released in the past with Duke Robillard and Roomful of Blues and several solo albums, you will recognize Basile’s unique stamp on the music.
Basile is not only the featured cornet player on Red Breath; he provides vocals that are hard to forget. He follows in the footsteps of Sinatra and Bennett, using the two great vocalists as models to set the foundation for the album. There is a strong influence of Louis Armstrong present in his cornet playing-featuring the large, warm, dark nature of tone that he has worked so hard to develop over the years.
Red Breath has a strong sense of danceable rhythm and timeless quality. Surely, it will find its way as one of the classic albums of modern jazz. It is an archetypal depiction of mixing the old with new for a fresh new outlook on jazz music.
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck conducts interviews, writes reviews, biographies, press releases and articles for Independent and Major artists Worldwide. Articles are dispersed on a vast network of websites. Links to sites with great music content are provided on my Homepage and Links Page.
