Moraga is a modern collection of five Carol Robbins originals and four jazz standards played by one of the worlds best jazz harpists along with a group of outstanding musicians. Jazzplay expands on Robbins’ previous CDs by adding the world-class talents of guitarist Larry Koonse, multiple Grammy award winner Billy Childs and renowned saxophonist Gary Meek and plays with a new rhythm section, which consists of Darek Oles on bass and Gary Novak on drums. The tracks on the CD offer various combinations of these musicians. All players are given a chance to showcase their individual voices through solos, counter melodies and interplay. Collectively, these gifted musicians have performed with such artists as Chick Corea, Billy Childs, Michael Brecker, Natalie Cole and Joni Mitchell. Producer Buddy Halligan has worked with musical greats Ray Charles, Anita baker, Freddy Hubbard, Hubert Laws, Barry White and Johnny cash.
Robbins, a student of jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby, has been honing her skills since her last CD by performing with her group in concert and in clubs in Los Angeles, New Orleans and Salt Lake City. Robbins has been an integral part of Billy Childs ‘Jazz Chamber Ensemble for five years. Childs has just released the groups first CD “Lyric” which received a rave by John Kelman All About Jazz. Robbins has been called an “accomplished jazz artist” by Bob Perkins of WRTI in Philadelphia, a “fine bop-based player” by Scott Yanow and has been described as having a “considerable gift for lyricism” by ken Dryden in the All Music Guide. Robbins has recorded and performed with such artists as Brian Wilson, Bjork, Manhattan Transfer, Nina Simone, Dianne Reeves Cool And The Gang, and Sia. |
