ANITA CARMICHAEL

BAR 5972



In Japan and the UK as well as some parts of germany the young singer/saxophonist Anita Carmichael is already recognized as a popjazz-star- and with her first album on Lipstick, the 29-year old (a former model as well as a reputed guest saxophonist who has performed with Michael Bolton, "The Commundards", Dave Steward and many others) she should reach a great repuatation worldwide.

Under her own name she has already played at festivals in Jakarta, San Sebastian and as opening act for George Benson.
Her first albums were released in Japan by MIDI-Records and in the UK by "Saxology" (Target Distribution) and LIP-HOT has licensed her albums for Europe and the US.
On her first album for Lipstick she is offering an enormous stylistic variety - ranging from smooth jazz vocals like "Soothe Me" (which is also on the erotic jazz compilation "Blue Moves" ) by way of popjazz-instrumentals ("Shibuya Sunset") to funk- and dance tunes.
Typical is her very personal singing style - vulnerable with a slight edge - and her saxophone, which is gheavily influenced by Stan Getz (who actually was one of her saxophone teachers). because of her saxophone style she has been compared with Candy Dulfer - but she has a very different personal style and writes most of her own songs.
On this album she is backed by some very experienced musicians including Gail Louise (drums), Chris Taylor (bass), Mike McEvoy (keyb.,guit.) - with whom she toured live in 1997. In fall of 96 she was performing live in the UK - including prestigous gigs at "Ronnie Scott's", "Manatees Club" and the "Jazz Cafe" - as well as a sold-out show in Minden, Germany, where she had played a year before for the first time.

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Some reviews:

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• " .. a melodic and entertaining blend of vocals interspersed with some searing sax playing .." (The WIRE , London)
• ".. her music (is) .. a cross between Sanborn and Madonna" (The Independent , London)
• "Anita Carmichael has elected to go for the throat with a kind of unashamed jazzy pop .. which has delighted audiences both at home and abroad.."(Musician, UK)
• ".one of the finest performers around, with her own unique style of music .. a sort of cross between the Crusaders and Ricky Lee Jones" (Jazz FM, London)
• "one of the UK's outstanding vocal, songwriting and saxophone talents .. (The Guardian, UK)

The spanish press and radio has also celebrated her when she went to Spain in Summer of 1998 - with cover stories and strong radio airplay of several of her songs including "Move It" and "Shibuya Sunset".

Author: Alex Merck
Last Updated: 6.December 1998