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Kevin Ahart

Urbane, velvet-voiced song stylist Kevin Ahart cuts a distinctive figure on his much-anticipated debut release Let’s Take The World My Love. The album’s ten memorable performances find the charismatic young artist singing original and classic cover material in a smoothly expressive voice that echoes those of his vintage saloon-singer heroes, enhancing and extending the American musical traditions from which he draws much of his inspiration.

Taking his cues from the evocative singers and exacting tunesmiths of the golden age that produced the Great American Songbook, Ahart makes heartfelt, timeless music that’s rooted in pop and jazz tradition yet entirely his own, standing apart from transient trends to embrace timeless musical values. The result is an album that embodies the formidable combination of personal passion and disciplined craftsmanship that’s allowed the artist to carve out a distinctive musical identity out of time-honored musical elements.

Hailing from the unlikely environs of Austin, Texas – a musical mecca that’s not known for producing jazz-pop balladeers – Kevin Ahart is a consummate vocal interpreter with a knack for cutting straight to a song’s emotional heart. As comfortable performing with a spare two-piece combo as he is with a full orchestra, he possesses an effortless poise that many performers take decades to develop. Kevin’s vivid musical persona isn’t just a pose that he’s adopted. It’s an honest reflection of his attitude towards life, and of his abiding love for the music in which he’s been steeped since childhood.

Indeed, Kevin Ahart’s lifelong love for the sound and style of vintage jazz and pop has spawned a vibrant creative vision that’s manifested in the instantly memorable songs and sublimely confident performances that comprise Let’s Take The World My Love. The collection finds the artist working with a prestigious creative team that includes fast-rising young English producer Tim Ross, veteran New York studio legend Phil Ramone, renowned jazz vocal star Jane Monheit, noted songwriter/keyboardist Jeff Franzel, and a stellar group of A-list musicians from both sides of the Atlantic.

In addition to showcasing the artist’s vocal skills, Let’s Take The World My Love also demonstrates his distinctive songwriting talent, with such original numbers as “The World My Love,” “A Heart That Will” and “You Drive Me Insane” serving as persuasive vehicles for his one-of-a-kind voice. The album’s originals were all composed by Ahart in collaboration with writing partner Jeff Franzel, whose resume includes work with such legends as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Mel Torme, and who’s written songs for the likes of Josh Groban, Placido Domingo, Shawn Colvin and Dianne Reeves. Franzel also plays piano and organ throughout the album.

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Take Five With...

Take Five With Kevin Ahart

Read "Take Five With Kevin Ahart" reviewed by Kevin Ahart


Meet Kevin Ahart: I'm a native of Austin, Texas but swapped my cowboy boots for a tuxedo when, at age five, I started singing the Great American Songbook--I've been at it ever since. My debut album, Let's Take the World featuring Jane Monheit and Jeff Franzel, and recorded by Phil Ramone, is out June 23--you can listen to it here: https://soundcloud.com/ahartmusic I'm also pretty excited about playing two London dates on June 17 at the Pheasantry at ...

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

The World My Love

From: Let's Take the World
By Kevin Ahart

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