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Dena Taylor Female
Austin, TX
United States
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Dena Taylor's Friends

Music

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To hear additional tracks by Ms. Taylor and to learn more about her, visit : http://www.denataylor.info
 

Dena Taylor's Page

Profile Information

Marital Status
Single
Where are you located?
Austin, TX
What is your affiliation to the Jazz World?
Musical Artist, Vocalist
Tell us a little about your background...


BIOGRAPHY:

One of the brightest smiles you could imagine is worn on the face of Dena Taylor. A jovial spirit with a robust laugh is what you will find when you have the opportunity to look inside her heart. A rich, soulful and velvet tone envelops the listener right from her first note. Dena brings years of experience to her latest project, "Round Midnight.”

After many years of building her musical talent singing locally in any venue she could find, she continued honing her skills and love of music while she served overseas with the U. S. Navy. Dena was able to utilize her vocal talents jamming with friends as well as performing in USO shows and local events in nearby hotels and clubs.

Having left the military and, while working as a financial analyst for a Fortune 500 company, she was involved in a tragic car accident that resulted in a brain injury. It took two years for her to learn to walk and talk again. Learning that she was more courageous than she had ever thought, she began to rebuild her life. Dena has taken on the challenge of breathing life back into her musical career and the evidence of her success is her new CD, Round Midnight.


REVIEWS


In order to give my view on Dena Taylor's album I find myself obliged to start out with one of the greatest interpretations of "Round Midnight" that I have ever heard. The track obliterates those original contorted forms that spring to life from Monk's harmonic requirements and reaches the listener in a very reassuring form, a pleasant "almost pop" sound that puts you in peace with the world and with life in general. The instrumental orchestration is pleasantly classical and the voice leans on every chord with a class and a timbre that brings to mind the voices of some of the great interpreters of jazz. I have chosen "Round Midnight" as my starting point because it is a track to which I am very attached and which Dena Taylor has made me love even more. I now need to start again from the beginning in order to continue my review and the first track I find on my path is a rendering of "Too Close For Comfort" in which Dena does not let you miss for one moment all those Fitzgerald albums that you have had the courage to listen to in your life as a musician and you feel like you're back in 1956 with the sound of today. Worthy of note is also the latin interpretation of "That Old Black Magic". My ear falls in love again when "Let's Face the Music" starts up in which Dena handles the chord changes with class and simplicity and the whole track is rounded off with some splendid improvisations that show nothing of the over-indulgence that is all too typical of this genre.

Excellent musicians and excellent interpretations of often over-played standards that in this album take on a new life such as "Route 66", completely re-invented and presented to the listener with the mood of a shuffle and the sweetness of a swing (a highly successful operation which makes for very enjoyable listening).

Dena Taylor is without doubt a splendid surprise and the album runs so smoothly that you do not want it to finish. If you are a lover of jazz, jazz standards, warm voices and well-played music, make sure that this album becomes a part of your collection.

Honestly, Max Maffia
Daybox Records
March 17, 2009

(Mr. Maffia provided the English translation. If you'd like to read the original in Italian, please see it on my blog.)

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"Although IMIsound was conceived primarily as a showcase for "Independent Musicians from Italy", it has always held its doors open to artists from all over the world. It was therefore with immense pleasure that we woke up one morning to find that our community had been graced overnight by the presence of Dena Taylor.

There are many artists out there doing a splendid job with the great classics of jazz and blues, but the sensitivity, the depth of feeling and the richness of colour that Dena infuses into her performances are in a class of their own. Duly supported by a band of first-class musicians, Dena is that rare combination of outstanding talent and enchanting charisma that one cannot but feel fortunate to come across in the vast world of music.

As a tribute to Dena and other international artists from various genres who have chosen to embrace the IMIsound project, we have given life to "Radio IMIsound International" - a rotating playlist where we are now showcasing two tracks each from all of our international members including Dena Taylor's magnificent performances of "Round Midnight" and "Route 66". Thank you Dena."


Tony Lawson,IMIsound Founder & Administrator
www.imisound.com
24th January 2009
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"Dena Taylor and her quartet featuring keyboardist Ron Teixeira, bassist Ron Pirtle, and drummer Dave Dunscombe, arrive in the summer of 2008 with the American Standard songbook in tow. Their new CD, Round Midnight, is named after the haunting Monk ballad whose melody has remained with Taylor throughout her life. Round Midnight features 9 tracks of classic Jazz tunes performed admirably by the aforementioned musicians.

The strong-voiced, yet sweet singing Taylor chose the 9 tracks based on her appreciation of the lyrics and emotional attachment to the melodies. After listening to the CD, there’s no doubt that she’s made each song her own personal statement.

Round Midnight begins with a groovy rendition of ‘Too Close for Comfort’, in which keyboardist Teixeira follows the melody with a nice solo. Dena sings the melody out, and leaves the listener wanting more.

‘That Old Black Magic’ continues with an addictive Latin groove. The bridge ‘brings the swing’, and again Teixeira has a chance to show his improvisational skills with a very supportive rhythm section.

Monk’s ballad is up next to slow things down a bit. Here Taylor’s vocal skills are in full display. She lends some well-timed vibrato and phrasing to the inherent beauty of the melody.

Other tracks you won’t want to miss are ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ and ‘Our Love is Here to Stay.’ Both tunes feature the rhythm section trading ‘4’s’, demonstrating their intuitive and supportive interplay. The bonus track ‘Route 66’ features guitar and you won’t want to miss the Bossa ‘I’m a Fool to Want You’.

Round Midnight is a collection of timeless American standards that is a perfect traveling companion for a summer journey. Forget the ‘pain at the pump’. Let Dena Taylor’s sultry voice ease your worries and keep you smiling!"


Michael Kraft for The Jazz Network
Ditzingen, Germany • July, 2008
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The 3 songs in the player below are from my unreleased CD, And I Don't Care Who Knows. It features myself, Kenny Clarke on the Hammond B3, Kenny Cohen on sax & flute, Tom DiQuattro on drums and Matt Heister on guitar.

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The majority of the songs on the player below are from my unreleased blues CD, And I Don't Care Who Knows, featuring myself, Kenny Clarke on the Hammond B-3, Kenny Cohen on sax, Tom DiQuattro on drums and Chuck Crawford on guitar.

All the songs are featured on my Live Blues World site.


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The songs in the player below are a compilation. The musicians include: myself, Kenny Clarke/Ron Teixiera/Al Stevens on keyboards, Dave Dunscombe on drums, John Fitzgerald on bass, Ruben Israel on guitar.

Songs, Crazy Devil of a Moon and In Vino Veritas, are recordings from live concert Dena & Company did for WFIT in the Wickham Park Ampitheatre and are originals written by British composer, David Gill. We were thrilled that he let us premiere them here in the States.




Website Referrals


How did you hear about the Jazz Network? Please give full name of contact
Kenny Clarke, a fellow Jazz Network member and a very dear friend.
What Instrument do you play?
Vocalist
What is your website address? Only websites that pertain to your business and how you can be contacted.
http://www.denataylor.info

Dena Taylor's Blog

Dena Taylor

Change and Effort - Harold McMillan and DiverseArts

As a kid, I frequently heard (esp. when in a cafeteria or ordering food), "Remember .. don't let your eyes get too big for your plate!" As I aged, that applied to a number of things in my life and sometimes it held me back from attempting to make a change because I was afraid it was too big for my particular plate and .. as I tried certain things and failed .. it bled over to not trying because it wouldn't make a difference anyway .. after all .. the "issue" was certainly bigger than I could hav… Continue

Posted on March 22, 2009 at 1:20pm —

Dena Taylor

Review of CD, Round Midnight, by Max Maffia of Daybox Records

"Per commentare il disco di Dena Taylor devo necessariamente partire da una delle migliori interpretazioni di Round Midnight che io abbia mai sentito. Il brano cancella la sua forma contorta che nasce dall’esigenza armonica di Monk per arrivare ad ognuno di noi come un brano molto confortevole, piacevole “quasi pop” e che ti mette in pace con il mondo e con la vita. Esecuzione strumentale molto classica e piacevole e la voce si appoggia su tutti gli accordi con una classe ed un timbro che ricord… Continue

Posted on March 18, 2009 at 9:36am —

Dena Taylor

One of the Top Five Vocalists on SingerUniverse

I submitted the title track from my newest CD, Round Midnight, to SingerUniverse and I was just informed this morning that I have been named one of the Top Five Vocalists in the latest "Best Vocalist Of The Month" Competition. Can't tell you what a surprise that is and how excited I am!!!!

My comment to anyone reading this is: a) ALWAYS keep trying to get your music out there, b) you're NEVER too old, c) NO acknowledgment of your work is too small .. winning is NOT everything!! Acknowledgment i… Continue

Posted on February 4, 2009 at 9:00am —

Dena Taylor

Slide Show




Posted on January 28, 2009 at 5:51pm —

Comment Wall (48 comments)

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At 2:20pm on June 8, 2009, BOB NIEDERRITER said…
Dena , hi , I have heard Austin is a very nice place with lots of music . I hope I get a chance to check it out first hand at some point ...

Peace , Bob
At 12:14am on May 26, 2009, Jaijai Jackson said…
Loving that you are getting airplay! How's Austin Woman??
At 9:39pm on April 6, 2009, Chuck Bolger said…
Hello Dena,

I finally was able to grab a sit-down and listen to the CD you sent. GOOD STUFF! Right now it's a toss-up; I'll either be playing "Close Enough for Love" or "Route 66" on Thursday night. Many thanks, and continued good wishes.

Chuck Bolger
"Jazz...Or Something Like It"
At 1:36pm on March 18, 2009, Chuck Bolger said…
Looking forward to hearing (and programming) your new CD.

Best wishes,
Chuck Bolger
"Jazz...Or Something Like It"
At 12:31pm on March 18, 2009, Gary Harris said…
You go Dena! Congrats ;o)
At 2:50pm on February 4, 2009, Luther DeJarunett said…
Congratulations, Dena! I'm sure that having "'Round Midnight" chosen in the top five in competition, is just the beginning!
At 1:18pm on January 23, 2009, Rosendo Quiñones Jr. said…
Passing thru read your bio. One thing that stood out other than the strong vocals was your military service and USO participation. I was fortunate to watched a USO show while in the RVN 68. Your music is so soothing and has that European twist. Very "CLASSY."

Quindo
At 12:33pm on January 8, 2009, Luther DeJarunett said…
Hi Dena! I want to wish you a Happy New Year, let you know how much I enjoy your music, and appreciate your friendship!
At 2:43pm on December 11, 2008, Tony Kofi said…
Hey Dana,
Trust me I'm sure it will happen one day, It's a small world and anything is possible because Music and it's energy is so universal. Great music btw, take care and keep on swinging.
Best wishes, Tony.xx
At 6:52pm on September 14, 2008, Charito said…
Hi Dana,

Happy to know you, too! and thanks for the love...
You have a wonderful voice, too!

Keep the soul...keep the groove!
 
 

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I commend you, Jaijai, for caring so much that you created this castle of the heart for all of us. I want to share my praise for all of the new friends as well as old friends that I've met and will meet here in our castle. Here we can garnish the where-with-all, the strength, the conviction, and the selflessness through our symbiosis, to share our gift to the world with an unbiased agenda.

My mentor, Daisaku Ikeda says of art: "A beautiful flower delights and refreshes the hearts of all people equally, no matter what soil it grows in. That is the power of beauty. The same is true of great art. It is this spirit that the German poet Heinrich Heine sang of when he wrote that once the peapod bursts open, the sugar peas inside are for everyone to enjoy."

Let's be audacious, my friends!

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Dear Jaijai:

What a wonderful thing you have created here and thanks so much for the fabulous feature you did for my music and me. As I am new to TJN I am fascinated by what you have created. There are so many talented artists here and it feels like I’ve gone to heaven. Your father and I were close friends over the years and Duffy still is. He played in my trio at Arturo’s in Miami Beach last summer. (2007) And I have worked with him off and on since he was 12 years old. I just know your father is very proud of you and the site is a work of art! You have created something of real value for the jazz community and all I can say is Bravo!

Mike Longo

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The Jazz Network gets a sneak peek of Paul's upcoming CD, click the cover and get a taste of what's to come!



"BURNIN'"
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Coming this summer on July 21st

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"The Jazz Network has come into being at just the right time. I believe that we are forever in need of spiritual and artistic enrichment and the way I see it, music, particularly jazz music, is all about the spirit. The Jazz Network allows us to reach out to our fellow artists across the world, in a way that has not been seen before, enlightening us as to who's out there making hip and happening music and helping to shape the culture. Whether artists approach this music from traditional perspectives or attempt to create new and radical sub-genres of jazz, the Jazz Network
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The Jazz Network is an amazing resource for the Jazz community. I'm
honored and happy to be a part of it.

Jaijai, thanks for your faith and what you're doing for the jazz community"

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