Search - Karen Blixt :: Mad Hope

San Francisco-based jazz singer Karen Blixt releases her second album Mad Hope --a thirteen-track collection that finds Blixt building on the successes of her 2006 critically-acclaimed debut Spin This , hailed as an exceptional debut album (Jazz Review) and an astounding recording that delivers assured and radiant vocals (All About Jazz). On Mad Hope, Blixt continues to take the inventive road less traveled, further exploring odd meters, intricate rhythms and engaging lyrics. Working alongside arranger/producer Frank Martin (Stevie Wonder, Sting, Patti Austin, Angela Bofill, Al Jarreau, and Dori Caymmi) once again, the pair set out to craft an album of tunes that expand the vocabulary of jazz music. For this project Blixt and Martin co-wrote seven original songs, in addition to Blixt penning lyrics for two existing instrumentals as well as four jazz standards she skillfully reinterprets. She is joined by the stellar rhythm section of Patrice Rushen (Piano), Abraham Laboriel (Bass), Jose Neto (Guitar), Alex Acuña (Percussion), Will Kennedy (Drums) along with musicians Randy Brecker (trumpet) Sheldon Brown (Bass Clarinet), Paul Hanson (Bassoon) and Kenny Washington (vocals), Joe Hebert (cello) and Damien Masterson (harmonica).