Primary Instrument: Vocal
”Tara Linda & The Rumor Mill delivers everything from jazzy blues and sassy swings to smoky ballads and boleros with a sultry voice and playful heart” - San Francisco Chronicle.
Tara Linda sings original vocal jazz. Sultry and playful, Tara’s vocal style hints of 1930’s torch and swing traditions—with added catchy hooks, humor, and contemporary themes. Torch and Sass showcases Tara Linda’s dynamic voice and “mesmerizing” delivery (Oakland Tribune) in this eclectic and satisfying recording.
American Roots ~ Vocal Jazz: “As a composer and vocalist, I’ve always loved early jazz, especially the period just before the big band sound took root.” To inspire her songwriting, Tara’s turntable spun constantly with Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mildred Bailey, and Augustin Lara. “I was inspired by the sound of celebration in this era of jazz, by the story- telling lyrics, the tongue-in-cheek humor, and the prominent melodies of the 30’s and 40’s.” With these vintage jazz sensibilities in mind, Tara set out to write her first stomp (”Recession Stomp”), swing (”Rumor Mill Swing”), and jazz ballads for this, her fourth CD, Torch and Sass.
Torch as a genre: “For this recording, I wanted to challenge myself to write music for the voice across several jazz song forms, including the torch song- but with more updated themes.” For example, Tara contemplates feelings of helplessness about things we can’t affect(”Flux and Flow” was written following the 2011 Japanese tsunami); or sudden remorse (”Little Miss Remiss” tells of a girl who realizes how hurtful her unthinking actions can be). In addition to saluting the past, Tara wrote contemporary jazz shuffles, tangos, and even an Indian jazz tigress tune.
Produced by Billy Stull, and recorded in studios in South Texas and Oakland, California, Tara worked with jazz saxophonist Charles Hearn (Celia Cruz, Ray Charles, Tito Puente, George Benson, Kirk Waylum) on horn arrangements, as well as members of his quintet.
A seasoned composer, Tara’s previous release, Tortilla Western Serenade (2010), received critical review for songwriting and arrangements and charted in the top 12 on the national RMR and FAR charts, with extensive U.S. and international airplay. “Exploring the voice as an instrument in American jazz was a natural next step for me,” Tara says.
Tara Linda is a multi-instrumentalist (bass, percussion, ukulele, accordion) and is endorsed by Hohner Accordions and Lanikai Ukuleles. She lives in Oakland CA.
Torch and Sass Album Credits Produced by Billy Stull & Tara Linda All music, lyrics and arrangements by Tara Linda © 2012 Tara Linda Physalia Records (BMI) except #1 music by Tara Linda & Jose Alvarez (Mexifi Music BMI), #5 music by Tara Linda and Paul Eastburn (ASCAP), and #10 horn arrangements by Charles Hearn.
Musicians Zeke Aguilar – piano (2-5, 7, 10, 12); alto sax (5, 11); back up vocals (6). Jose Alvarez – guitar (1). Paul Eastburn – bass (5, 10-12). Ron Guensche – bass (1). Ron Harrington – bass (2-4, 7, 9) . Charles Hearn – soprano sax (2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12); tenor (3, 10); back up vocals (6). Jeff Hobbs – violin (9) Rafael Herrera – drums (1, 6, 8). Rudy Ruffelsen – drums (2-5, 7, 9, 10, 12). Az Samad – acoustic guitar (2-4, 6-9, 13); electric guitar (8). Noe Sanchez – trumpet (2, 3, 5, 6, 10), fluegal horn (7) Jesse Sheehan – tablas (11). Steven Strauss – soprano ukulele (6); bass (6). Tara Linda – voice (all); accordion (9); baritone ukulele (2,13); bass (8).
Mixed by Charlie Barrego. Gospa Records (McAllen, TX). Mastered by Billy Stull. Masterpiece Mastering (South Padre Island, TX). Recorded at: Gospa Records (McAllen, TX), Engineer- Charlie Barrego: Songs # 2-5, 7, 9-13. New Vintage Studios (Oakland, CA), Engineer- Ron Guensch: Songs #1, 5, 6, 8, 10-12. Wally Sound (Oakland, CA), Song #8.
“Tara Linda combines the best of torch-singer tradition with Latin and blues touches” ~ Bay Area Jazz Examiner
“Tara Linda seduces like a siren” ~ San Antonio Express-News
”mesmerizing” ~ TimeOut Oakland Tribune/ San Jose Mercury News
”Tara Linda songs are intelligent, sexy, funny, heart-rending” ~ FAME
”By turns defiant, coy, vulnerable and sassy” ~ Popmatters
Tortilla Western Serenade (2010)
Luna Nueva (2008)
Fools Journey (2006)
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
