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ELANA STONE In The Garden Of Wild Things

'She is well grounded in jazz but branches out into other genres of music. Both her compositions and her vocal style reflect her eclectic listening tastes'
Jasmine Crittendon (Drum Media)

'She is that rarest of endangered species, a real jazz singer'
John Shand (Sydney Morning Herald)

'Sydney's favourite young jazz singer'
Barry Morris from the Daily Telegraph

"The album is a collection of original songs, all written around the same time but in very different styles. Some of the songs were written as an act of catharsis. Others were inspired by weird dreams or traveling or returning home. Others were simply musical ideas that turned into songs. There are a lot of different influences in the music so calling the album "In the Garden of Wild Things" seemed like a good idea because it's open to interpretation."
Elana Stone; Drum Media Interview

Musicoz's jazz artist of the year (2004), Elana Stone, has developed into a powerful and dynamic vocalist. Beyond her ability, which has been cultivated with zeal for the majority of her life, it is her sense of humour and her spirit that make Elana a magnetic performer and an ideal band leader. Her debut album "In The Garden of Wild Things" is another feather in the cap of this gifted young singer/songwriter.

The album features; James Muller on guitar, Sean Wayland on piano, rhodes and organ Brett Hirst on bass and Evan Mannell on drums with special appearances by Aaron Flower on guitar, Zoe Hauptmann on bass, James Hauptmann on atmospheric sounds, Jeremy Borthwick and John Hibbard on trombone and Simon Ferenci on trumpet, Steve Marin on conga and a choir from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. It was recorded in December 2003 at Sony Studios and mixed by Phil Punch at Electric Avenue Studios and mastered by Rob Gist ­ also at Electric Avenue Studios. The beautiful artwork was done by designer, Kare Martens. The album launch was a huge success with sell out crowds at the Vanguard.

The album is a celebration of Elana's primary influences which include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Clark Terry, Ray Charles, Betty Carter, Nina Simone, Bobby McFerrin, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Dr John, Joni Mitchell, Rufus Wainwright, Tom Waits, Stevie Wonder and Sting. All these artists are present in the music in some way, shape or form.

Elana studied Composition briefly at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before packing her bags and moving down to Canberra to complete her Bachelor of Music majoring in Jazz voice at the Australian National University, School of Music. Since moving back to Sydney Elana has had the opportunity to perform alongside some fantastic Sydney musicians including James Muller, Mark Isaacs, Sean Wayland, Dan Barnett, Jackie Orszaczky, Rai Thistlethwaite (Thirsty Merc), Phil Stack (Thirsty Merc), Phil Slater, Carl Dewhurst, George Washingmachine, Jonathan Zwartz, Hamish Stuart, Brett Hirst and Simon Barker just to mention a few.

She has formed her own group 'The Elana Stone Quartet' which is an energetic combo featuring Aaron Flower on guitar, Zoe Hauptmann on double bass, Evan Mannell on the drums and Elana Stone on piano and vocals. The group's repertoire is predominantly comprised of original music, written by Elana and also by members of the band. They are jazz musicians with a real mixed bag of influences including rock, soul, pop and world music. Elana is also a permanent guest vocalist in the Mark Isaacs Trio and performs regularly with the Rhino Factory Big Band.

Elana recently returned from Europe and New York where she participated in a Bobby McFerrin workshop and competed in the Montreux Jazz Festival vocal competition. Elana has been offered a contract by New York based management/production team 'Original Artists' whose clientele include Bobby McFerrin and Paula Cole. She is currently negotiating a contract that will enable her to record her next album in New York some time in the not too distant future!

ELANA STONE's 'In The Garden Of Wild Things' is available through Jazzgroove, distributed by Creative Vibes

 

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