Mitzi Zilka Something Good CD

Mitzi ZilkaVocalist and Lyricist“Something Good,” really captures the emotional depth of Mitzi Zilka’s very personal life experience with swing tunes that groove, tender fragile ballads and elegant blues. The contrast between her wide soprano range and her deep, rich slightly throaty alto voice is distinctively refreshing. Mitzi has teamed up with celebrated pianist Randy Porter to deliver a refined take on classic tunes and some not-so-classic gems. Her laid-back phrasing and strong melodic sense complement her poignant clear voice. She also has a great sense of lyrics, penning original lyrics to classic tunes, like her smart dual-language take on the standard “Blue Bossa.”“Something Good,” Mitzi’s second release, includes new takes on “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing,” in 7/4. “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do,” done as a kind of front-porch country blues combining a squashed trumpet performance by Richard Titterington and the funky bass stylings of John Waiitala. The standard “Lady Bird,” is done in a French Café bolero style. “Short People” combines electric bass and a Hammond B3 organ sound. Title track “Something Good,” from The Sound of Music, is done as an elegant blues and the first ever U.S. release of the stunning ballad “Introduce Me To Your Friend,” by Australian songwriter Norma Martin.Mitzi spent the better part of 2003 and 2004 singing and studying music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Australia. A veteran of the Portland jazz scene, Mitzi has performed at such places as Museum After Hours, Aura Restaurant and Lounge, Homegrown Jazz KMHD 89.1 FM, Portland Jazz Festival, The Heathman, The Sweetbrier Inn, Vine Leaves, The Newport Performing Arts Center, Wilf's, The Blue Monk, LV's Uptown Jazz Club, The Multnomah Atheltic Club and Abou Karim. As Founder of The Portland Jazz Singers Concert Series Mitzi has brought together a star-studded line up of Portland best singers including, Rebecca Kilgore, Valerie Day, John Gilmore, Mary Kadderly, Carolyn Joyce, Robert Hicks, Armonica, Cheryl Alex, Mia Nicholson, Mike Winkle, Marilyn Keller, Nancy Curtin, Sandy Dennison, Amandah Jantzen, Barbara Lusch, Chrissy Faith, Shirley Nanette and Nancy King for a vocal jazz showcase performing throughout Portland. Performance Highlights"LV's Uptown welcomes jazz vocalist Mitzi Zilka. Founder of the esteemed Portland Jazz Singers Concert Series, this Portland native, who spent time studying and performing in L.A. and Australia is quickly becoming a force on the Portland Scene, known both for her stellar voice with a three octave range, and her original lyrics to jazz classics." Darrell GrantFounder of the Leroy Vinegar Jazz Institute, Founder of LV's Uptown Jazz Club, Celebrated Jazz pianist and Portland State University Jazz Studies Professor.Discography: Two Sugars c 2001 Produced by Peter Boe, Engineered by Dennis Carter Falcon Recording and Mastered by Kevin Nettleingham. CD song tracks are as follows: "All or nothing at all, I will remember (Lament), You smiled at me (Blue Bossa), What's new, I'm old fashioned, Beamtime voicings (Monk's mood), Fine & mellow, I thought about you, Bring me love (Lady bird), Angel eyes, Wake-up Teacup (Pent-up House), Don't explain, I could write a book, White moon black sky (Little B's Poem)." Peter Boe-Piano. Dan Balmer-guitar. Trio: Eddy Wied-Piano, Dan Schulte-bass and Tim Rap-drums.Something Good c 2004 produced by Randy Porter, Heavywood Studios, Engineered by Dennis Carter Falcon Studio and Mastered by Kevin Nettleingham. CD song tracks are as follows: "When lights are low, You smiled at me (Blue bossa), It don't mean a thing if it ain't got the swing, Something good, Short People, Social call, Introduce me to your friend, Bring me love (Lady bird), You stepped out of a dream, Tain't no body's bizness if I do." Randy Porter-piano, Reinhardt Melz-drums, John Wiitala-bass, John Stowell-acoustic guitar, Mik