Artists

UPTOWN: Coverage

"Coverage" is the debut release from central Wisconsin jazz-pop trio Uptown. Made up of twelve contemporary classics, including songs by Van Morrison, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Steely Dan and Thelonius Monk, "Coverage" draws from great songs, all interpreted through Uptown's fresh, fun style.

The core of Uptown is the trio made up of central Wisconsin musicians Monica Barden, Mike Barden, and Bill Jordan. And although they often perform as a trio without drums, this CD shows off the "full version" of the band, incorporating the considerable talents of Cully Swanson on bass, and David Kies on drums.

Lead vocalist Monica Barden is a protÃ©gÃ© of jazz vocalist Janet Planet, as well as a worship leader at Faith Community Church, her home church in Waupaca; vocally, Monica's style and tone has been compared to Diana Krall and Bonnie Raitt.

Monica's husband, Mike Barden, is on staff at the same church, with a lifelong background in performing, teaching, and recording (Mike recorded and produced "Coverage" at Big Sound Recording, his home studio in Waupaca); as a performer, Mike has shared the stage with the Neville Brothers, Maynard Ferguson, and Janet Planet; additionally, he has recorded three CDs of solo piano music, also available on CD Baby-"Rest", "Groovy Church Tunes", and "Glory to the Newborn King".

Tenor saxophonist Bill Jordan's musical background includes performances with various funk and jazz ensembles, and he has also performed with artists such as Michael Brecker, Red Rodney, Bill Evans, Charlie Hayden and Carl Allen.

Because of the rich musical backgrounds and experiences of each member, Uptown has a very adaptive approach to performing, being able to move freely through traditional jazz, contemporary jazz, R&B, pop, rock, blues, and back again; they are quite comfortable going from a subtle, sophisticated rendition of Thelonius Monk's "Round Midnight" to an "up out of your seat" ride through James Brown's "I Got You (I Feel Good)", and many points around and in between.

"Coverage" covers a lot of great music, and it's a lot of fun to listen to!

For more detailed and updated information about Uptown, check out the official site at www.uptowntunes.com.

Check out the artist's website:
http://www.chainolakesrecording.com

Track List:
1. Let's Stay Together
2. Moondance
3. I Got You (I Feel Good)
4. Route 66
5. Rikki Don't Lose That Number
6. Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
7. Ribbon in the Sky
8. This Masquerade
9. Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
10. At Last
11. Autumn Leaves
12. 'Round Midnight

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