Ellen Edwards, A New York Session

With the 2/22/20 release date of her stylistically eclectic and soulfully swinging new EP, A New York Session, Ellen Edwards brings explosive musical news to her fellow empty nesters wondering what’s next – everything! The opportunity to fulfill those long set aside creative dreams. The chance to embrace your true purpose. And, if you’re as jazzy and extraordinarily gifted a singer-songwriter as she is, a surreal but beautifully grounded day at Shelter Island Studios in NYC to record with some of the city’s top session cats. Suddenly manifesting the previously unfathomable, those musicians took her tunes to rarefied heights, helping lay the groundwork for a promising new career as an artist and performer. 

The session at Shelter Island happened through a bit of serendipity via her songwriting teacher, legendary country artist Suzy Bogguss, who hooked the Atlanta based singer-songwriter up with her former producer, keyboardist Jason Miles. Miles loved Edwards’ material and quickly gathered an ensemble that included Randy Brecker (trumpet), Robbie Kondor (piano), Will Lee (bass), Jeff Mironov (guitar), Gene Lake (drums), Richie Morales (percussion) and Jason Miles (B3, vibes and synthesizers). They all work their effortless spontaneity and spark around Ellen’s powerful tone and distinctive phrasing, a stylistic flow that ranges from Latin to gospel/blues, and a continuous message of conquering one’s demons and sorrows and forging a bright future.

-Jonathan Widran, Jazziz Magazine

  "Ellen-That Blue and Green song-Holy Cow!!  
You are awesome...thank you for being such a wonderful songwriter..." 
-Emily Saliers, Indigo Girls

JAZZ JOURNAL  
Ellen Edwards: A New York Session  

 “…Edwards has a pleasing vocal sound, rich and mature. The music is melodic and the lyrics of these songs are intelligent, of the day, and positive… Although she has recorded CDs before, Ellen Edwards is a new name to me and I will seek out those earlier albums.”  

By  Bruce Crowther

 Contemporary Fusion Reviews: 

Extraordinary, explosive jazz vocals Ellen Edwards – A NEW YORK SESSION:  Ellen’s very extraordinary explosive jazz vocals are a brand new experience for me, and a most pleasant one it is… I give Ellen and her stellar cast of players a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED rating, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) score of 4.99.                      

By Rotcod Zzaj 

Midwest Record.com 

…Treating this like a major label session from back in the day, this jazz vocal set is going to blow your mind at every turn. If you want the wax blown out of your ears, this is the place to check out. Killer stuff that'll remind you why you hate TV talent shows… 

By Chris Spector 

KEYS and CHORDS 

…”Opener "Over There" is a love story with a samba rhythm, reminiscent of Jobim. "Let the Fire Grow" is a jazz waltz with a muted trumpet. Then comes "Love’s on My Side," in which she sings not to fear love. "Blue and Green" is a soft track, after which "The Queen’s Bridge" has fun influence. A great return for Ellen!.” 

 By Patrick Van de Wiele 

JPS Music Blog 

… “The album kicks off with the swift, waltz of "Over There," before slowing down for the bluesy tone of "Let The Fire Grow." The gentle piano ballad "Blue And Green" allows her wonderful vocals to soar, before closing out her new release with the fun, upbeat groove of "The Queen's Bridge." 

By JP 

Roots Music Report 

…”Her silky smooth vocals cover many moods. She’s bluesy and forceful on a number like “The Queen’s Bridge,” and she's wistful and ethereal with a ballad like “Blue and Green.” Brecker’s trumpet shines in “Let The Fire Grow” as Edwards sings “there’s a voice in my heart, and it won’t go away.” Latin bossa rhythms in “Over There” have engaging appeal. While the album ends all too quickly, it will certainly help Edwards build a legion of fans as she expands her horizons beyond Atlanta…  

(Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)