A native of Kansas City (the birth place of Jazz), Byron had early exposure to the city’s rich musical heritage, which serves as an influence in this recording. "I am honored to sing these incredible songs which have been introduced to the world by an array of incredible artists, many of whom I adore. My family loved music and there was always music in the house.
A background singer for Barry Manilow, Byron has also worked with some of the world’s most respected artists including: Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Patti Austin, Joe Cocker, Donna Summer, as well as American Idol winners Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken. Byron has also been a featured soloist on three separate occasions with the famed Boston Pops Orchestra under the baton of renowned conductor/composer John Williams. His performance of the Williams composition "America, The Dream Goes On" garnered strong critical acclaim from the press and public alike.
During a master class performance, it was Cleo Laine who recognized Byron's burgeoning musical talent and invited him to appear in London, England where he was the recipient of the "Wavendon Allmusic New Singing Talent of the Year Award", sharing honors with such artists as Wynton Marsalis and Andrew Lloyd Webber. He performed at the star-studded occasion in the presence of H.R.H Princess Margaret who presented him with the prestigious award.
Product Description
JAZZ & COCKTAILS, the new CD from singer Byron Motley, is a beautifully chosen collection that pairs some of the best-known standards with lesser-heard jazz pearls, performed by one of the most arresting voices in popular music today. Byron's smooth voice and style harks back to the swingin' greats of earlier decades like Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstein, Jimmy Scott, Johnny Mathis, and Tony Bennett.
The musical gems in JAZZ & COCKTAILS features Byron fully in command of his artistry, emoting the lyrical and musical expression of each crafty melody with ease. It is clear that Byron’s approach to these songs is unique, imaginative and passionate.
An accomplished songwriter in his own right, Byron opted not to include any originals on JAZZ & COCKTAILS. "I really wanted to do a ‘standards album’, mainly because this is music that I love, and also because I saw a huge void in the fact that no other African-American male vocalist is doing this type of music. These songs are timeless as are the contributions of artists like Nat Cole and Johnny Mathis, and I want to help keep that rich tradition alive".
Jazz & Cocktails,Byron Motley,Cocoa Blu Records,JAZZ & COCKTAILS, the new CD from singer Byron Motley, is a beautifully chosen collection that pairs some of the best-known standards with lesser-heard jazz pearls, performed by one of the most arresting voices in popular music today.
Jazz Music:
- Jazz in Paris: Exodus
- Jazz in Paris: Mr. Blues Pour Flirter
- Joyful Noise: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
- Jukebox Hits: 1942-1951
- KC Potpourri
- Keep on a Blowin
- Live at Cicada [Live]
- Live at the Tampere Jazz Happening 2000 [Live]
- Live in Italy [Live]
- Live in London [Import]
Jazz Music
Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht: Die Dreigroschenoper
Montreal Tapes with Geri Allen [Live]
Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets / Emerson String Quartet [Enhanced]
Memphis Underground [Original recording remastered] [Import]