Calgary Vocalist Deanne Matley and Los Angeles guitarist Larry Koonse proudly announce the release of their debut CD, “Can’t Help Falling”, a Jazz album containing original arrangements of classic jazz standards in an intimate vocal/guitar duo setting. “Can’t Help Falling” is a direct expression of their deep connection and the respect they have for each other as musicians.

Influenced by giant jazz duo Ella Fitzgerald and Joe Pass, Deanne and Larry captivate with this beautiful collection of jazz standards. Deanne’s sensual voice is stripped naked, with only the translucent veil of Larry’s haunting guitar for cover. They play harmoniously, changing balance, transforming into each other then separating. Like yin and yang they move back and forth and then together again, cascading into a pure and simple musical delight.

From the gut wrenching “That Lucky Old Sun” to the smoky, soulful “Autumn Leaves,” this may be Matley’s best recording to date. “A voice like no other”, says Koonse, adding, “Deanne Matley has it all, unerring pitch, great timing, beautiful phrasing, and perhaps most importantly, an ability to wrap herself inside a lyric and deliver a compelling story. She is a world class artist that is destined for great things.”

“This album was created on a whim…kismet” says Matley. Born and raised in Calgary, Deanne Matley is a staple on the Calgary jazz and blues circuit. As the vocalist for one of the top Big Bands in Canada, she is in high demand allowing her to perform regularly year round. This is her fourth album.

Larry Koonse is a modern master of the jazz guitar. From being the first recipient of the USC Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies to multiple Grammy nominations, he has toured and recorded extensively with Mel Torme, Billy Childs, John Patitucci, Luciana Souza, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, Cleo Laine, Natalie Cole and many others. His solo guitar work was featured in “Crazy”, a film about the great guitarist Hank Garland.

What better way to get in the mood for Christmas than Christmas music. It sets a tone and a mood for the upcoming holiday season. The special thing about Christmas music is that Christmas comes but once a year, it’s unlikely you’ve heard Christmas songs playing year-round.

Christmas music creates a clear distinct feeling. For me, personally, it brings out feelings of excitement, joy, relaxation and gratitude. The fun part is that you get a whole year to build up excitement and when it comes time to pull out the Christmas tunes, you fall in love with it all over again. It is timeless.

That is one of the main reasons I recorded my Christmas album, “Get in the Mood” – it will never go out of style. You could say it is somewhat of a legacy.

“Get in the Mood” is destined to create new holiday favourites for its audience.  The CD is a rich mix of R&B and soul tunes, jazz standards, romantic ballads and traditional carols that convey the excitement and anticipation of the season. Deanne Matley’s delivery is impeccable. Her warm, elegant, rich and deep vocal style and authentically engages the listener, emotionally connecting with their hearts and minds.

With original arrangements, the song selections are wide in emotional range, from the jubilant “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” to the beautifully pensive jazz standard “A Child is Born.” Some of the tunes are full-on fun: “I’d Like You for Christmas” includes a ‘50s-style call and response sung by Calgary a cappella group The Heebee-jeebees.

With a Christmas album that was to include strings and horns, Deanne invited some of Calgary’s most talented musicians for the recording, many of whom are personal friends. These musicians play in her own groups, in the Prime Time Big Band, of which Deanne is also a member, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Appearing with her on the the CD are: Bruce Petherick (Piano), Stefano Valdo (Bass), John de Waal (Drums), Ralf Buschmeyer (Guitar), Jim Murray (Trumpet, Flügelhorn), Dave Reid (Trombone), Pat Belliveau (Tenor Saxophone), Shane Statz (Alto Saxophone), Allegra String Quartet (Violins, Viola, ‘Cello) and the aforementioned Heebee-jeebees.

The album is dedicated to the special memory of Woodwind performer Ian Clayton, who in his lifetime contributed so much to the vitality of Alberta’s music community.

CONTRIBUTORS

Deanne Matley – Vocals
Bruce Petherick – Piano
Stefano Valdo – Bass
John de Waal – Drums
Ralf Buschmeyer – Acoustic & Electric Guitar
Pat Belliveau – Tenor Saxophone
Jim Murray – Trumpet and Flügelhorn
Shane Statz – Alto Saxophone
Dave Reid – Trombone
Diane Valentine – Violin
Eva Sztrain – Violin
Liza Scriggins – Viola
Dorothy Bishop – Cello
The Heebee-jeebees

Has a groove based jazz feel guaranteed to leave the audience feeling inspired. This recording contains songs from different styles, ranging from John Fogerty’s “Proud Mary” to the 1950s standard “Blue Moon”. A special guest on the recording is trombonist Oscar Utterström, who currently resides in Nashville. This EP reached Top 10 Jazz albums on CJSW! and is reaching listeners all over the world.