“Frisky and ebullient at 54 Below on Thursday evening, where she performed songs from a new album (her 20th), ‘You Gotta Love the Life,’ she effused the high spirits of someone who had shed a heavy weight and was still dizzy with her freedom and sense of possibility.” "[M]agic moments on the album include guest appearances by Al Jarreau on ‘Big Light’ and Keb' Mo', who plays guitar on ‘Feelin` For You.’ ‘Other End of the Phone,’ which features Dionne Warwick, is the final lyric the late Hal David ever wrote and features one of the last recorded performances by keyboardist Joe Sample.” “Melissa Manchester's 20th studio album, 2015's You Gotta Love the Life, is an eclectic recording...included are such newly minted songs as the soulful "You Are My Heart," and "Feelin' for You" with blues guitarist Keb' Mo'.” "Melissa Manchester’s legendary career soldiers on with her 20th studio album, the eclectic You Gotta Love the Life. Featuring personal favorites and brand-new original compositions, Life was produced by Manchester and Terry Wollman and includes guest appearances from fellow music superstars including Al Jarreau, Dave Koz, Keb’ Mo’, the late Joe Sample, Lee Thornburg, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder. Though the album’s first single—‘Feelin’ for You,’ featuring Keb’ Mo’—found immediate success at smooth jazz radio, the album also demonstrates her soulful side. The GRAMMY®-winning performer continues to prove her vitality after more than 40 years of service." “The new album, mostly written by Manchester (including a notable co-write with the late, great lyricist Hal David) along with four exceptional covers, attracted a host of A-list guest stars, among them Al Jarreau, Dave Koz, Keb’ Mo’, Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder and the late Joe Sample. The singer herself has never sounded more vibrant or enthused, and given the upbeat optimism she imparts overall, ‘You Gotta Love the Life,’ true to its title, ought to be just the thing to bring Melissa back to the masses.” “A compelling singer and songwriter…” “It’s a beautiful collection showcasing her musical diversity, distinctive songwriting and stunning voice. With touches of samba, jazz and contemporary pop, Manchester and a V.I.P. List of collaborators and musicians sooth the spirit and captivate the heart.” “Melissa Manchester... pulled out the stops with a fine new recording, You Gotta Love the Life—the 20th of her 40-year career. Her vocalizing is sweet, refined and ebullient on the 14-tune collection that is dominated by her own ten compositions.” “... a first class ticket for a great musical journey.” “Melissa Manchester's journey is a lesson in music history. From her early days as a founding member of Bette Midler's Harlettes to a tremendously successful career that's brought her both critical and commercial acclaim both as a singer and songwriter; Manchester is one of music's all-time greats...Manchester’s 20th album, ‘You Gotta Love the Life’ finds the artist coming full circle.” “Generous and big-hearted, Manchester’s performance was part Brill Building, part Fame and part Glee, as if set in a cabaret.” “[T]wo songs from her new album – ‘The Other One’ and ‘I Know Who I Am’ - suggested the momentous, liberating personal changes of a woman rejoicing in finally taking charge of her life. Ms. Manchester's rugged, chesty voice is as formidable as ever...” “Title track ‘You Gotta Love The Life’ [is] a jazzy pop concoction that burns and sizzles with every note.” “It's been almost 40 (!) years since Melissa Manchester's massive chart-topper ‘Midnight Blue’ made her a household name and launched a string of hit singles, including ‘Don't Cry Out Loud,’ ‘Through The Eyes of Love’ and ‘You Should Hear How She Talks About You’ ... You Gotta Love The Life (Long Run Entertainment) finds the singer/songwriter touching on various musical styles and collaborating with a stellar roster of guest artists.” “… a musical genius …” “From the sweeping ballads of Midnight Blue and Don’t Cry Out Loud to the dazzling disco inflections of You Should Hear How She Talks About You and beyond, singer Melissa Manchester has left an impact on all of who encounter her vast and glorious body of work ... [she] returns with the graceful You Gotta Love the Life. An adventure in crowd funding with a cast that include legends such as Stevie Wonder, Hal David, and Dionne Warwick, You Gotta Love the Life is sure to enrapture Melissa Manchester fans all over the world.” “Melissa Manchester in a bona fide legend ... her new album, You Gotta Love the Life ... [is] absolutely wonderful.” “Highlights include a lovely cover of the Ronettes' ‘Be My Baby;’ an excellent mash-up of ‘Let's Face The Music And Dance/From This Moment On;’ and the title song, ‘You Gotta Love the Life,’ where Manchester ruminates on the ups and downs of a life in music - something she knows very well having enjoyed 40+ successful years in entertainment. ‘Feelin’ for You,’ (#2 debut on the smooth jazz charts last month), displays excellent chemistry & musicality with Keb’ Mo’…The production is top-notch, and Manchester's voice is in excellent form.” “… a wonderfully diverse collection of songs that creates an unforgettable musical tapestry that is both modern and classic ... one of my favorite new albums of the year.” |
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