Janet Staley - Whisper To The Wind (2016)

Sultry and sweet vocal stylings and brilliant arrangements of classic jazz and pop tunes.
"For many years, Janet Staley has warmed musical notes - and appreciative audiences - with her captivating voice and style. I'm thrilled that Janet has collaborated with my brother, Cincinnati jazz musician Pat Kelly, as her keyboardist and arranger on her legacy CD, 'Whisper to the Wind.' It's beautiful." –Mike Kelly, columnist, Omaha World-Herald

Friends have asked over the years whether I'd considered recording an album. But not until our friend, Mike Kelly, suggested I collaborate with his brother, Pat, a renowned Cincinnati musician and producer, did I seriously commit to this challenge. Over several months, Pat and I agreed on this selection of our favorite tunes.

Pat assembled some of Ohio's finest musicians to record his fabulous arrangements under the skillful engineering of Mark Santangelo in Cincinnati, while I recorded the vocals in Omaha under the generous guidance and support of many talented friends, especially Susie Thorne, who meticulously and creatively helped me better understand my natural voice and how to approach each arrangement. Jackie Allen contributed much from her extensive knowledge of studio work and jazz vocals, and Kerry Barrett's cover photo captured the "Whisper" mood. Omaha's premier jazz guitarist, Ron Cooley, graciously added a guitar part to our final song, "Willow Weep for Me". Tom "the Wizard" Ware masterfully engineered the vocals at his studio in Omaha. With the help and encouragement of these great friends and others, and with the hard work and unequaled talent of the project's mastermind, Pat Kelly, and his collection of stellar musicians, this truly became a labor of love.

Special thanks to Mike Kelly for connecting me with Pat and for Mike's unflagging encouragement and enthusiasm for this project, and many thanks to Mike's lovely wife, Barb, for her hospitality and kindness during the Cincinnati phase of this effort.

My beloved husband and "roadie," Bill, who endured countless hours of my necessary vocalizations, inspired the heart in my songs – he is my rock. Our son, Clay, a gifted musician in his own right, taught me the importance of injecting passion into my performance and to seek musical excellence. And our furry mutt-girl, Izzy – who also loves to sing – showed me how to sing to the heavens.
I dedicate this album to my parents, Tony and Marty Holzapfel, long gone from this world but always remembered. My dad–-a cool-cat bassist and guitarist–-was my first music mentor. Mom gave me a soft elegance I hope my voice conveys. I also dedicate this effort to Buddy Graves–-pianist, mentor and dear soul–-who died a few days after my final recording session. His music, and that of many excellent musicians who have guided me through the years, will always whisper in my heart.

TRACKLIST
1. The Nearness Of You (4:28)
2. Can't Help Lovin' That Man (3:07)
3. Blackbird - In My Life (4:31)
4. When October Goes (4:39)
5. (You're) Everything (3:43)
6. Till There Was You (2:51)
7. Here's To Life (3:47)
8. More Than You Know (3:41)
9. Superstar (3:41)
10. Garden In The Rain (4:17)
11. Willow Weep For Me (4:30)