Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': "Tell Me Something", by Carmen Cuesta-Loeb

Inside MusiCast 'Pick Of The Day': "Tell Me Something", by Carmen Cuesta-Loeb. Reviewed by Arnaud Leger.

The wife of smooth jazz synthesizer, flute and guitar player Chuck Loeb, Carmen Cuesta has established her own reputation as a soulful pop and jazz vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. She met Loeb in Madrid while performing in a major production at the Teatro Monumental, and within months relocated to New York City – a move that completely changed her life and richly expanded her musical horizons. She became a part of pianist Andy LaVerne’s group Paradise, which featured her singing tunes composed by her and LaVerne; the band also featured bassist Mark Egan and drummer Danny Gottlieb, who were in Pat Metheny’s group at the time. When Loeb ended his many years playing with saxophone legend Stan Getz, he and Cuesta formed their first group together, Paralelo, which blended jazz, pop, rock and Latin music.

Cuesta began collaborating with many of the jazz musicians she met through Loeb; she wrote and recorded with everyone from Earl Klugh to Grover Washington, Jr., Michael Franks, Peabo Bryson and Spyro Gyra, among others. In the mid-90s, she launched her solo recording career, debuting in 1996 with « One Kiss ». Her other CDs include Peace of Mind (featuring Bob James), Dreams (with Michael Brecker and John Patitucci) and You Still Don’t Know Me.

Here’s “Tell Me Something” from the “One Kiss” album, perfect song to start the week in a good mood.

– Arnaud Leger, IMC Correspondent