The Great American Songbook
“one dynamite singer from the City of Sails who was simply fantastic when she sang at the Mount
”
Carolina and Roger bring their unique partnership and love of the great classic songbook to some of the most influential songs of the era,
They showcase music from the 40's and 50's, timeless songs of Cole Porter, Gershwin, Irving Berlin - the broadway hits of the day, and songs which began as instrumentals, made popular by singers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee and Frank Sinatra and modernists, Michael Buble, Harry Connick Jnr. Their arrangements embrace both a love of tradition and contemporary style, appealing to a broad audience of music lovers.
The dynamic swing, energy and flair Carolina and Roger bring to their concerts is reflected by their press: “the duo work of voice and sax was brilliant, very reminiscent of Cleo Laine and John Dankworth”, (Ange Crawford, NZ review), and sets a standard which sees them perform at international events, venues and festivals across New Zealand,
Carolina and Roger have been performing together for 10 years, entertaining corporate and VIP clients in addition to their public appearances. These include Le Centre Culturel - Noumea, International Jazz and Blues Festival - Samoa, The New Zealand Rugby Awards, The Huffington Awards, Woollasten Winery ~ Nelson Jazz Festival, Auckland Domain and many more.
Carolina has built a reputation for being one of the best jazz expressionists on the current scene. She is described as "a consummate vocalist who must rank as one of the best in Australasia", with a range of expression which encompasses the "powerfully expressive" (Sydney Morning Herald), to 'an assured and beautifully articulated intimacy". (Graham Reid, author and music critic), She has 5 diverse albums to her credit, and contributes to an array of artistic projects.
Roger Manins is an award-winning saxophonist, recognised as one of the leading jazz saxophonists in Australasia. With a heavy international touring schedule, he has recorded and contributed to around 40 albums, touring/ performing with major international artists such as George Garzone, Maria Schneider, Australian Jazz Mothership Orchestra, Florian Ross, James Morrison and many, many more.
Line Up
Caro Manins - vocals
Roger Manins - tenor saxophone
Nigel Gavin - guitar
Kevin Field - piano
Cam McArthur - double bass
Ron Samsom - drums
“a beautifully articulated intimacy”
Doing the Mingus album justice is not for the faint-hearted. The listener tends to associate Joni Mitchel with her biting lyrics and adamantine melodic clarity. In reality, although accessible, her tunes pivot on clever musical devices. The end result here was well worth the effort. A genuine commitment to the project made this happen, imbuing it with the integrity it deserved.
Reviewed by John Fenton on Jazzlocal32.com