Miki Purnell - Swingin' To The Sea (2013)

Miki Purnell recently made her notable recording debut with Swingin To The Sea. Musically, the CD is full of joy, high musicianship, versatility, infectious enthusiasm, and memorable singing. But when one considers that Miki is a fulltime doctor who practices in the San Diego area, it is particularly remarkable that her singing is so professional, fresh and inventive, never sounding like this is her second career. The music on Swingin To The Sea features arrangements worked out by pianist Tamir Hendelman, flutist Lori Bell, and Miki. learned a lot from him. In addition to Hendelman, Dave MacKay plays piano on his two compositions, Free and Like Me. Also featured on the album are the up-and-coming young guitarist Joey Carano, veteran bassist Bob Magn ( dave played in Tunisia) usson, drummer Kevin Cox, and percussionist Tony Aros. A special bonus is Koto during the introduction of A Night In Tunisia. Swingin To The Sea features Miki Purnell coming up with her own fresh interpretations of such standards as Bluesette, Estate, Maiden Voyage, The Nearness Of You (taken as a duet with Hendelman), The Island, the rarely performed Swinging On A Star and Ä Night In Tunisia. In addition she revives Alec Wilder s Moon & Sand, introduces her originals Sexy Sexy and Sunny Sunday, and sounds wonderful on Dave MacKay s Free and Like Me. Her close interplay with flutist Lori Bell is among the highpoints as are the creative piano solos of Hendelman and MacKay. Every note that Miki sings is not only perfectly in tune (she has perfect pitch) but is full of warmth and beauty.

Tracklist:

01. On Green Dolphin Street (4:22)
02. Bluesette (5:13)
03. Estate (6:30)
04. A Night In Tunisia (5:55)
05. Like Me (4:32)
06. Swingin' On A Star (3:31)
07. Sexy, Sexy (4:16)
08. Moon And Sand (5:16)
09. Maiden Voyage (6:28)
10. The Nearness Of You (3:40)
11. Free (5:11)
12. The Island (6:22)
13. Sunny San Diego Sunday (3:59)