(Vocal Jazz) Miki Purnell - Swingin' To The Sea - 2013, MP3, 320 kbps

Miki Purnell recently made her notable recording debut with Swingin’ To The Sea. Musically, the CD is full of joy, high musicianship, versatility, infectious enthusiasm, and memorable singing. But when one considers that Miki is a fulltime doctor who practices in the San Diego area, it is particularly remarkable that her singing is so professional, fresh and inventive, never sounding like this is her second career.
“I believe music is the melody of our soul,” says Miki. “It touches the hearts of others and creates therapeutic harmony. It also cleanses our mind and helps us to see the beauty of life. As a physician, I always want to promote well-being so Swingin’ To The Sea is filled with very positive feelings and messages as I jump into the world of jazz.”
The music on Swingin’ To The Sea features arrangements worked out by pianist Tamir Hendelman, flutist Lori Bell, and Miki. “Lori is a very talented flute player who really knows jazz and theory. Everything that she plays is very musical and picturesque. Lori introduced me to Tamir who is an amazing person and musician. I learned a lot from him.” In addition to Hendelman, Dave MacKay plays piano on his two compositions, “Free” and “Like Me.” Also featured on the album are the up-and-coming young guitarist Joey Carano, veteran bassist Bob Magn ( dave played in Tunisia) usson, drummer Kevin Cox, and percussionist Tony Aros. A special bonus is Koto during the introduction of “A Night In Tunisia.”
Swingin’ To The Sea features Miki Purnell coming up with her own fresh interpretations of such standards as “Bluesette,” “Estate,” “Maiden Voyage,” “The Nearness Of You” (taken as a duet with Hendelman), “The Island,” the rarely performed “Swinging On A Star” and Ä Night In Tunisia.” In addition she revives Alec Wilder’s “Moon & Sand,” introduces her originals “Sexy Sexy” and “Sunny Sunday,” and sounds wonderful on Dave MacKay’s “Free” and “Like Me.” Her close interplay with flutist Lori Bell is among the highpoints as are the creative piano solos of Hendelman and MacKay. Every note that Miki sings is not only perfectly in tune (she has perfect pitch) but is full of warmth and beauty.
Miki Purnell was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan. She had classical piano lessons for seven years starting when she was four. Miki sang as a child for the fun of it, often copying Japanese pop singers. At college, she heard jazz for the first time. “I heard ‘Blue In Green’ by Bill Evans and Miles Davis and it hit me so strong that I could not resist the temptation to sing jazz. I was also deeply impressed by Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. I was inspired by not only their improv but the stories of their lives.” Miki wrote songs as a teenager, won a song contest, and sang in one club in Japan, but medical school soon took most of her time and music took a backseat.
Miki became a doctor. She lived and worked in Hawaii where she had occasional opportunities to sing. “As a medical provider, I did nursing home concerts with my attending doctor who played guitar. Singing with guitar and ukulele after a long day was fun!” She eventually settled in San Diego where she established herself as a family physician. “After much time, I started getting the desire to sing again and explore jazz. I became deeply immersed in it, really studying the music. I took lessons with Kevyn Lettau and it took me two years to establish my own style. When I met Lori Bell, she said that if I was serious about singing, I should record a CD. I felt that it was time.”
Miki Purnell, who sang at two major concerts in San Diego put on by the Japanese Earthquake Relief Charity, has an original style, a very appealing voice, and an irresistible enthusiasm for the music she sings. “This album is who I am and what I am here for, which is to love and support people. I want my audience and my patients to feel comforted when they listen to my work. My goal is to reach out to people where they need music. Music can reach people when words fail. I want to give assurance to others, showing that life is fun and a really worthy thing.”
Swingin’ To The Sea is an impressive beginning to Miki Purnell’s second career and will be enjoyed by any listener who enjoys hearing a top-notch jazz singer.

The debut CD from this wonderful Jazz singer features Tamir Hendelman and Lori Bell on piano and flute and their swingin' arrangements-- and top notch jazz players including Bob Magnusson