Cocktails With A Twist CD

After paying tribute to actresses of the '30s, '40s, and '50s on her debut album, Sirens...Songs of the Silver Screen, Quinn Lemley turns her attention to '50s cocktail lounge culture on her second album, Cocktails with a Twist. The term "lounge music" might have a negative connotation to some, but Lemley steers clear of schlock and shows a genuine fondness for the classic pop and jazz of that era. If Lemley's goal was to transport us back to a time when one sipped dry martinis in a cocktail lounge while Julie London, Frank Sinatra, or Jo Stafford played on the jukebox, the singer does so nicely on her appealing versions of "An Occasional Man," "Besame Mucho," and "Love Me or Leave Me." The CD's more humorous moments come on Afro-Cuban-influenced numbers like "C'est Si Bon" and "Quando Bailar," but on the whole, Cocktails with a Twist isn't as humorous or as theatrical as Sirens or Lemley's third album, Dance or Die. That's not to say that it's a somber album, though -- even on "You Don't Know What Love Is," Lemley sounds like someone who's enjoying herself. Cocktails with a Twist is easily recommended to fans of jazz-influenced '50s pop. ~ Alex Henderson

Quinn Lemley's Cocktails With A Twist is a sultry Latin and swing/Lounge recording reminicent of the glamour big band years with a contemporary twist.Cocktails With A Twist features sexy standards such as The Man I Love, Tenderly and C'est Si Bon, to band leader, Bob McDowell's sensual and fun originals, Destination: Sunrise, Java Joe And Quando Bailar.Music style: Lounge, Latin and Swing.Female vocals, standards and originals Musical influences: Romantic, sultry, sexy and fun.Torch and dance.Similar Artists: Diane Kroll, Ann Margret, Julie London.Artist history: This New York City Latin and Swing show band has been performing around New York and internationally for the past three years.They started out as regulars at Nell's in Manhattan, play currently at Wilson's, Lola's and Tavern on the Green.If you like these songs, be certain to check out Sirens ...Songs of the Silver Screen and Dance or Die and THE HEAT IS ON also available right here on CD Baby.

Audio Mixer: Al Houghton.

Liner Note Author: John Hoglund.

Recording information: Dubway Studios, New York, NY.

Director: Bob McDowell.

Photographer: Michael Keel.

Personnel: Quinn Lemley (vocals); Mark McDonald (alto saxophone); John Isley (tenor saxophone); Brad Detrick (trumpet, flugelhorn); Bob McDowell (piano); Ed Zadd (guitar); Jim Donica (bass); Lee Jeffryes (drums); Raphael Reyes (percussion).

Personnel: Quinn Lemley (vocals); John Isley (tenor saxophone); Bob McDowell (piano).