Room For Two

April Hall's new jazz album, Room for Two, is a bold and intimate exploration of the art of the duo. Every aspect of it is a duet; the way it was recorded, the improvised album art, the poetry written for each track, and the songs themselves. Room for Two is a homage to the days of vinyl, when albums themselves were works of art. The unique pairings of one voice with one instrument exposes a rich landscape of normally hidden musical subtlety, revealing every detail of the actual performance. Every duo is different, from the playful call and response on Honeysuckle Rose to the deeply honest conversation of To Whom It May Concern; from the swinging rhythms of Amazing Love to the soulful mingling of melodies on Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You; but what always stays the same is Hall's masterful interpretation and stunning vocal performance. April Hall combines her deep roots in southern gospel and blues with an urban soulfulness and sophistication. Her voice, described as Glorious by the Boston Globe, is an instrument of astonishing beauty and versatility, capable of ranging from the purest whisper to the most powerful soul-drenched delivery. But her masterful performances are always centered on bringing every song to life through emotional interpretation, playful phrasing, and rock solid rhythm. The exquisite, soulful vocals of April Hall deliver every lyric with emotion and conviction. - Jazz Times Magazine On this recording she is featured in duets with Gray Sargent on guitar (Tony Bennett), Tim Ray on piano (Lyle Lovett, Jane Siberry), Marty Ballou on bass (Jay McShann, Jimmy Witherspoon), Tom Hall on saxophone (Club d'Elf, Bruce Katz), Les Harris, Jr. on drums (Diana Krall, Paul Broadnax), Mark Poniatowski on bass (Junior Watson, Janiva Magness), Joe Barbato on accordion (Luciana Souza, Kenny Barron), and Marshall Wood on bass (Tony Bennett, Anita O'Day). With original cover illustrations by Lennie Peterson and original poetry selections by James Cudworth. Room for Two Personnel: 1. Amazing Love (Hall., Sargent) 2. Honeysuckle Rose (Hall, Ballou) 3. To Whom it May Concern (Hall, Ray) 4. I Want to Be Happy (Hall, Harris) 5. Black Coffee (Hall, Poniatowski) 6. You've Changed (Hall, Ray) 7. The Best for You ( Hall, Wood) 8. Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most (Hall, Harris) 9. Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You (Hall, Hall) 10. I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry (Hall, Sargent) 11. My Baby Just Cared for Me (Hall, Ray) 12. That's All (Hall, Barbato)