About The Album

Enjoy the silken voice of songstress Sylvia Bennett enveloped by three of the world’s greatest tenor saxophonists, the late Boots Randolph, Ed Calle and Kirk Whalum. Together, Sylvia Bennett and producer Hal S. Batt create musical history once again, this time with the three tenors playing on the same album. Bennett and Batt made history before when they created “There Will Never Be Another You,” a tribute CD/DVD release with unreleased audio and video of the legendary Lionel Hampton. On this CD, the more intimate side of Sylvia Bennett is showcased with this wonderful collection of timeless standards.

Complementing the vocals and the saxes are some of the finest musicians of our time including bassist Chuck Bergeron, pianist Brian Murphy, drummer Frank Derrick, guitarist Hal Batt and percussionist Sammy Figeruoa.

“It’s back to real players, back to grass roots. It’s organic music, not amplified and without synthesizers,” Producer Hal S. Batt says. “The feel is the Blue Note lounge, authentic music...from the heart.”

Tracks

1. Embraceable You (3:01)
2. They Can’t Take That Away from Me (2:45)
3. My Funny Valentine (4:53)
4. Since I Fell for You (3:30)
5. Someone to Watch Over Me (4:06)
6. Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2:49)
7. Here’s That Rainy Day (3:32)
8. I Still Love You (3:56)
9. When Sunny Gets Blue (4:26)
10. You Make Me Feel So Young (2:48)
11. How Long Has This Been Going On (4:20)
12. As Time Goes By (3:18)

Reviews for Songs From the Heart

“Anytime you get an album in and can’t help but add 7 of the 12 tracks on it to your play list, you know you’ve got a great album! It’s a can’t miss combination of a beautiful silky voice and the sensuous sound of three of the all time best sax men in the business that does it.”

–Paul Richards, Program Director
WHLI, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut

“Songs from the Heart is not just another jazz vocals album, it is a ground breaking project. Sylvia Bennett creates a perfect marriage of voice and sax singing wonderful jazzy love songs with the help of a cast of luminaries. Bennett charms her way into your heart.”

–Edward Blanco,
WDNA, Miami

“Sylvia Bennett’s new CD has lit up our telephone lines. She has a unique ability to relate a lyric that affects our audience. She’s an oasis from the troubles in the world.”

–Jeff Gehringer, Program Director
KSPA/KFSD Anaheim, CA

“You have not heard a collection of standards sung more passionately than the manner in which Sylvia Bennett delivers them. With the assistance of three of the music industry’s most prolific tenor saxophonists, Bennett & producer Hal S. Batt have created a masterpiece with Songs from the Heart.”

–Joe Montague,
Riveting Rifts

“Sylvia Bennett is a singer that personifies artistry in the truest sense of the word. Her tone is warm & pleasing to the ear. This album is like shaking hands with a smile as all the players bring their ‘A’ game to the session. There is no need to get the jeweler’s loop out on this record as the performers prove that great music speaks for itself.”

–John Gilbert,
ejazznews.com