Yashmin Charnet-Abler: Press

For this couple, love is set to a Brazilian beat
by Zan Stewart/The Star-Ledger
Thursday March 19, 2009, 2:25 PM
AMANDA BROWN/THE STAR-LEDGERYashmin Charnet-Abler and her husband Paul Abler will be performing at Trumpets in Montclair tomorrow night.

Yashmin Charnet-Abler and Paul Abler. When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Where: Trumpets Jazz Club, 6 Depot Square, Montclair. How much: $15 cover; $10 minimum. Call (973) 744-2600 or visit trumpetsjazz.com.

Singer and lyricist Yashmin Charnet-Abler and her husband, guitarist and composer Paul Abler, have two rock-solid affinities that bond them: their deep affection for each other and their love of Brazilian music.

The couple, who met in November 2003 and were married about six months later, did their first gig together in New York in January 2004. Naturally, the music was all bossa novas and sambas.

"That was the only thing we had musically in common," says Rio de Janeiro-born Charnet-Abler, 48.

"I had always wanted to play with someone who had that authentic Brazilian expression," says Saginaw, Mich., native Abler, 51. He's also an ace modern mainstream jazz guitarist who plays as a leader and with the Jersey-based Spirit of Life Ensemble -- with which his wife sings.

The musically dynamic pair perform Saturday at Trumpets in Montclair. They both fell in love with the music they share when they were children.

For Abler, it was visits to his grandfather's home in Pontiac, Mich., and hearing such records as Stan Getz's breakthrough "Jazz Samba." Of course, growing up in Rio, Charnet-Abler was surrounded by sambas and bossas.

Abler dug deeper into Brazilian after "being hit" in the 1990s by greats like singer-songwriter Milton Nascimento. Charnet-Abler grew musically by working in groups in her native clime before moving to the United States in 1987.

Today, both find Brazilian sounds irresistible. "It's something that's very magical, has character, is fun and can reach people," says Charnet-Abler, whose latest CD is "Remember Me" (Bossa Nova Music) and whose website is yashmincharnetabler.com.

"I love the rhythms, the subtleness of the music, and the sound of vocals in Portuguese," says Abler, whose fourth CD is "Fearless" (also on Bossa Nova Music) and whose website is paulabler.com. "And it's very melodic, too," adds Charnet-Abler.

At Trumpets, the couple will delve into numerous originals with music by Abler and lyrics by his wife. His tunes -- which unfold for the composer in an organic fashion, one phrase leading to another -- and his guitar sound inspire his wife to write.

"Paul has a very expressive way of playing. It's like he's saying words, like his guitar is singing," she says.

One song they will offer will be "Remember Me," which Charnet-Abler, a lyrical alto, sings in English. "It's about how different people who have been in one's life add something, and even now they will be remembered with tenderness, with gratitude." Then there's "Cinco Minutos ("Five minutes"), which Charnet-Abler says, "was the amount of time I could stay away from Paul after we first got together."

Also on tap will be classics by Jobim and others. Sharing in the festivities will be the first-rate rhythm section of pianist Tomoko Ohno, bassist Santi DeBriano, and drummer Sylvia Cuenca.

The Ablers also produce free jazz events at Whole Foods markets in New Jersey and New York. Charnet-Abler is an executive for the grocery chain. For lineup information, visit bossanovamusicproductions.com.

"I feel really happy to be able to do this for the community, for new fans, people who don't go to clubs," she says of the store events.

Zan Stewart may be reached at zstewart@starledger.com or at (973) 324-9930.

MARK STRYKER | CLASSICAL+JAZZ HIGHLIGHTS
Jazzmen Abler and King reunite at Cliff Bell's
August 7, 2008
Metro Detroit has lost a number of vital musicians to other cities in recent years, but two of them are reuniting back home this week. Guitarist Paul Abler, who left for New York in 2003, and drummer Leonard King, who relocated to Minneapolis two years ago, team up Friday at Cliff Bell's.
Raised in Pontiac, Abler is a guitarist with chops to burn and a taste for wide-open, post-bop improvisation. He hasn't played a Detroit club in five years. King, an ebullient force on the Detroit scene for decades, has traveled widely in recent years as the backbone of tenor saxophone star James Carter's organ trio. He was just in town in May to play and to celebrate his 60th birthday. It's always a pleasure to welcome him back.
Filling out the quintet will be Abler's wife, Brazilian vocalist Yashmin Abler, pianist Sven Anderson and bassist Pat Prouty. On Saturday, King reunites his eclectic trio Oopapada with organist Chris Codish and guitarist Robert Tye. Music begins both nights at 9:30. Cliff Bell's, 2030 Park Ave., Detroit. 313-961-2543. cliffbells.com.
Back home, part 2: Another former Detroiter, pianist Johnny O'Neal, whose résumé includes a stint in the early '80s with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, as well as work with bassist Ray Brown, trumpeter Clark Terry and others, is also in town this week to play the Dirty Dog Café. O'Neal stands for solid mainstream values -- swing, bluesy-gospel roots and a good-time vibe that puts listeners on the back of his rollicking tremolos. He leads a trio that includes bassist Marion Hayden. Shows at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday (10:30 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday), Dirty Dog Jazz Café, 97 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms. Reservations: 313-882-5299. www.dirtydogjazz.com.
Appetizing: The Detroit International Jazz Festival is again sponsoring weekly club gigs to whet the appetite for the Labor Day weekend jazz festival. This week, it's GEQ, a solid straight-ahead bebop band led by trumpeter Guymon Ensley. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Bert's Marketplace, 2727 Russell, Detroit. 313-567-2030.
Edification: The veteran bandleader and composer Ed Nuccilli has long led one of the best big bands in the area. His group Plural Circle shines a spotlight on his ever-fresh big band arrangements that breathe with invention, wit and a deftly structured balance of composition and improvisation. If you haven't heard the band, don't pass up the chance to hear it in its natural habitat at Baker's Keyboard Lounge. 8 p.m. Thursday, 20510 Livernois, Detroit. 313-345-6300 or www.bakerskeyboardlounge.com.
Nomadic wanderings: The Rieman Bishop Flood Godston Quartet brings together four like-minded musicians from across the country for an evening of free-jazz exploration. Representing Michigan are bassist Tim Flood and saxophonist Andrew Bishop, with Chicago trumpeter Dan Godston and electric pianist Eric Glick Rieman from Berkeley, Calif. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor. Reservations: 734-769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com. $5-$10.
Contact MARK STRYKER at 313-222-6459 or stryker@freepress.com.

Ablers' music lives up to their name
Monday, May 14, 2007
BY ZAN STEWART
Star-Ledger Staff

JAZZ

Guitarist Paul Abler can play Brazilian.

Since arriving in the NYC/NJ jazz milieu from Detroit in 2003, Abler has often played modern mainstream with such ace musicians as saxophonist Charles Davis, and with the dynamic Jersey-based Spirit of Life Ensemble.

With the latter, the Michigan native was a standout at last September's Liberty Jazz Festival, held at Jersey City's Liberty State Park.

But when Abler performs as a leader -- teaming with his wife, Rio de Janeiro-born songstress Yashmin Charnet-Abler -- the musical focus is on a range of Brazilian fare.

Take Friday at the Arts Factory in Bayonne, which resembles a low-key sports bar and where jazz has been on tap intermittently since March.

There, the West Orange-residing Ablers were joined by four estimable colleagues: pianist John Colianni, bassist Gregory Jones, drummer Adriano Santos and percussionist Daoud David Williams.

The guitarist started instrumentally with his vibrant bossa, "The Long Goodbye" -- from his 1999 Equinox Mansion CD, "In the Marketplace."

Immediately noticeable was his appealing, fat sound, which employed some form of delay or other electronic enhancement to add breadth. Also clear right from the delivery of the song's theme -- which recalled the buoyant jazz-with-a-pop-side that gave hits to guitar hero Wes Montgomery -- was Abler's confident, supple feel for the beat.

That rhythmic acumen -- call it time, or swing -- coupled with that tone gave impact to whatever he played. To boot, he crafted creative ideas that were decidedly listenable, always a welcome attribute.

Abler's ideas ranged from punchy repeats of a juicy phrase to chords that vaulted upward athletically and lines packed with choice notes offered with flow. Behind him, his partners laid out a rolling, vital beat; in their solos, they were fluid and engaging.

Charnet-Abler came aboard for Jobim's "Dindi," which she sang in Portuguese, and which is on her 2005 "Jobim, Etc." Bossa Nova Music CD. With her warm, shimmering voice, she made the language sound luxuriant. Her rhythmic sense was as acute as the others'; the song moved with a sure step. Here, with a purer, ringing sound, Abler played with melodic flair, as did Colianni when he offered dancing chords or fluid pockets of sonic color.

After Abler's upbeat "Cinco Minutos," where his sound shifted again, becoming steely, even gritty, came a surprise: the get-down "Dakota's Blues." This was a hard-cooking medium-slow blues, but Charnet-Abler sang it in her native tongue, giving it an intriguing flavor. In his solo, Abler showed he'd listened to his share of greats like the Kings: B.B., Albert, and Freddy.

Also a bit off the jazz track was Caetano Veloso's "Tigressa," done with a Brazilian funk/rock rhythmic whammy, but still open to jazz thought in the solos.

Two other winners: Abler's meaty "Between Two Worlds," from his 2005 CD, "Fearless" (Bossa Nova Music); and the guitarist-and-singer's "Remember Me," where Charnet-Abler's lyric swayed charmingly between statement and question.

Upcoming at the Arts Factory, 280 Avenue E, near E. 23rd Street, Bayonne: guitarist Vince Venezia plays the Jazz Continental Brunch, Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $12.95; (201) 436-6700; www.arts-factory.com.

Abler and Charnet-Abler (whose Web sites, respectively, are www.paulabler.com, and www.bossanovamusic.com) plus pianist Tomoko Ohno perform June 5, 7-10 p.m., at Fawn Samba, a Finnish and American Women's Network event at The Restaurant at the Hotel Roger Smith, 501 Lexington Ave. (between 47th and 48th Streets), New York. $15 cover charge, includes one drink. Call (212) 755-1400 or visit www.fawnet.org.

Zan Stewart is the Star-Ledger's jazz writer. He is also a musician who occasionally performs at local clubs. He may be reached at zstewart@starledger.com or at (973) 324-9930.


© 2007 The Star Ledger
© 2007 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.

Yashmin
Charnet Abler, est une authentique
représentante de la bossa nova, ici
magnifiquement mise en valeur par
une rythmique discrète, sans contrebasse
ni batterie. Enrique Lopez
assure la toile de cordes mélodicorythmiques
qui sont l’âme de la
bossa-nova, David Kikoski assure sur
l’ivoire quelques solos fulgurants
mais sans exagération, toujours dans
le fil de la mélodie. Yashmin Charnet
apporte une vraie chaleur poétique,
subtile et sensuelle, une douceur qui
n’oublie jamais le rythme. Elle est
meilleure en portugais sur la musique
brésilienne que sur du George Harrison,
plus banal. Ross Schneider prête
son harmonica façon Toots pour des
couleurs bienvenues. Une belle
découverte.
Jean Szlamowicz

Exuberant sounds
Marsalis quartet brings Liberty Jazz Festival to crowd-pleasing climax
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
BY ZAN STEWART
Star-Ledger Staff

JAZZ

With saxophonist Branford Marsalis' quartet delivering an engaging six-song set, the second annual Liberty Jazz Festival came to a close Sunday evening at the waterside Green Ring at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Marsalis -- and others on the program such as Joshua Redman and Bob James and Earl Klugh -- played for appreciative fans, who enjoyed delightful weather along with the exuberant sounds.

Sunday's affair drew about 5,500 people, for a total of approximately 17,500 for both days, according to Howard Freeman of West Caldwell-based Promo 1, a producer of the event.

"We're up about 25 percent from last year's debut event," said Freeman. The festival was presented by The Star-Ledger, and CD101.9 in association with RBC Dain-Rauscher, Valley National Bank, and Manhattan Motorcars.

Freeman cited word-of-mouth as the main reason for the increased turnout. "Many people told me they came last year, told their friends what a good time they had, and came with those friends this year," he said.

Freeman was disappointed that Sunday's lineup, with modern mainstreamers Marsalis and Redman among the headliners, drew half the attendance for Saturday's more contemporary fare, featuring George Benson and the 2007 Guitar & Saxes Tour. He indicated changes would be made for next year, including possibly extending the festival to three days.

"Maybe put classical jazz like Marsalis on Friday night, then smooth jazz on Saturday, even R&B on Sunday, make it a music festival," he said. "We're just looking to improve, make the festival bigger."

Sunday's show kicked off with the Jersey City-based Spirit of Life Ensemble, a returnee from last year's festival. The little big band included leader and percussionist Daoud David Williams; bassist Calvin Hill; drummer Greg Searvance; guitarist Paul Abler; trumpeters Vinnie Cutro, Carlos Francis and Rob Henke; saxophonists David Robinson, Bradford Hayes and Joe Ford; trombonist Bob Farrell; vibraphonist Jason "Mallet Man" Taylor and singer Yashmin Charnet-Abler. Each artist was spotlighted.

Among the winners was Charnet-Abler's "Remember Me," a beguiling bossa to which she applied her pliant, light voice. Abler, her husband, scored with shiny sustained notes followed by bursts, then Cutro impressed with spaced single notes, and intricate, curving lines.

Henke's "Falling on Sunday" was another bossa groover, and Taylor was one soloist who added zest to "Jumpin' at the Woodside."

Later in the day, pianist James and guitarist Klugh played their trademark easy-on-the-ear selections, working with empathetic rhythm partners drummer Ron Otis, bassist Al Turner, and percussionist Doc Gibbs.

Such favorites as Klugh's "Heart String" and James' "Theme from 'Taxi'" and his invigorating "Westchester Lady" roused the audience. Each number showcased Klugh's clear, open sound and choice melodic ideas, and James' keyboard dexterity and drive.

Marsalis worked with his long-standing quartet, with pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts. The superlative band played with zeal and emotion, clearly providing one of the weekend's highlights.

Their set ranged from heated numbers -- Watts' "Mr. JJ" and "Soma" -- to poignant ballads, exemplified by Calderazzo's "Hope," included on the leader's 2006 "Braggtown" CD (Marsalis Music).

Written for saxophonist Michael Brecker, who died in January of leukemia, Marsalis dedicated Sunday's performance of "Hope" to his widow, Susan, who was in attendance. The song, a beseeching, heartrending theme, was offered with profound feeling by the musicians.

"Mr. JJ" showcased Marsalis as a steaming, consistently inventive saxophonist, issuing a seemingly non-stop stream of notes as Watts drove him with a most-musical drum barrage.

Other performers on Sunday included guitarist Gil Parris and bassist Kyle Eastwood, son of actor and director Clint Eastwood.

Zan Stewart is the Star-Ledger's jazz writer. He is also a musician who occasionally performs at local clubs. He may be reached at zstewart@starledger.com or at (973) 324-9930.


© 2007 The Star Ledger
© 2007 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.

Three releases: two solo releases and one collaboration that illustrates the diversity of jazz, bossa nova, and samba in the hands and vocals of two professionals.

Yashmin Charnet-Abler -
Jobim, etc.: Só tinha de ser com você, I Need You, Só Danço Samba, Por causa de você, Desafinado, La Barca, S Wonderful, Sabor a mi, Dindi, Falsa Baiana, Retrato em Branco e Preto

Personnel: Yashmin Charnet-Abler: lead vocals; David Kikoski: piano; Enrique Lopez: guitar; Ross Schneider: harmonica; Caco Oliveira: percussion

Jobim, etc. was produced by Steve Messina on the Bossa Nova Music label. Lead singer, Yashmin Charnet-Abler hails from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where at a young age she was performing the music of Brazilian greats such as Antonio Carlos Jobim, João Gilberto and Vinicius Moreas; in the late 70's she found' her true inspiration to sing and attended Musica de Minas Escola Livre. She moved to New York in the early 90's and has become a mainstay on the music circuit singing her beloved bossa nova.

Jobim, etc. covers six Antonio Carlos Jobim classics such as: Só tinha de ser com você, Só Danço Samba, Por causa de você, Desafinado, Dindi, and Retrato em Branco e Preto, as well as selections from George Harrison, Roberto Cantoral, George Gershwin, Álvaro Carrillo, and Geraldo Pereira. This is an engaging and creative mix of tracks that Yashmin selected, which shows her versatility and range while she carries the Brazilian beat. With Yashmin, you can feel her Brazilian energy flowing through the tempo and tone of her voice; a great love of Brazilian music brought the musicians together, and coupled with Yashmin's vocals they created Jobim, etc. If you love Brazilian music, the bossa nova and the samba, then make sure you add Yashmin Charnet-Abler's Jobim, etc. to your collection; I have added Jobim, etc. to my Brazilian music collection, which numbers over 125 Brazilian artists.

Paul Abler - Fearless: Fearless, Just Tell Me What You Want, Paris Calling, The Night & Day of Marion Hayden, Between Two Worlds, Waiting For Ever To Begin, Calling Ms. Blackman; Come Rain or Come Shine

Personnel: Paul Abler: guitar; Carlton Holmes: piano; Marion Hayden: bass; Cindy Blackman: drums

Fearless was released under the Bossa Nova Music label. Paul Abler has been on the music scene for more then 25 years, having traveled the world and recorded with a Who's Who of musicians along the way. In addition, he has four releases to his credit with Fearless being the most recent (February 2006 release). He has composed more than 150 original songs; his compositions are currently being used by syndicated TV programs such as Beautiful Homes & Great Estates and NBA Inside Stuff. Paul knew that he was going to be a musician from an early age having grown up with the jazz sound in and around the Detroit area, as well as listening to his grandfather practice drums to the sounds of Stan Getz and Dave Brubeck.

Fearless is eight original compositions written and arranged by Paul Abler; there is over 52 minutes of meaty well-structured jazz, swing, bossa nova and samba music to enjoy. This is the second collaboration between Paul and the renowned jazz drummer Cindy Blackman, fold in Carlton Holmes on piano, and Marion Hayden on bass, and you have a tight energizing sound. When you hear Paul play, you do not just hear the strings on the guitar, but you hear dedication to content and pace laced with enthusiasm and commitment to the final product. "Just Tell Me What You Want" and "Paris Calling" are two tracks that are a testament to Paul's arranging where he creates a groove and a sound fused with the band members, with each member having their part, but where the sum of the parts are not greater than the whole; they make the whole complete'. They say that over time jazz becomes a part of your soul, and with Paul, you can feel that jazz is his soul.

Yashmin Charnet-Abler and Paul Abler - Remember Me: Remember Me, Vira e Mexe, Totally You, Cinco Minutoosn, My Hear is singing, Por Ai, Nothing Else to Say; Estou Amando Você (This Girl's in Love with You) Come Shine; Mariana's Lullaby; Batucada; Pen a Estrada; Tigresa

Personnel: Yashmin Charnet-Abler: lead vocals; Paul Abler: guitar; Allen Farnham: piano; Sean Smith: bass; Adriano Santos: drums; Caco Oliveira: percussion; James Carter: flute (1), tenor saxophone (12)

Remember Me will be released under the Bossa Nova Music label in late summer/early fall 2006; Luxury Experience magazine was privileged to obtain a pre-release version. Remember Me is a collaboration between Yashmin Charnet-Abler, bossa nova, samba, Brazilian music vocalist extraordinaire, and Paul Abler, jazz, swing, bossa nova, guitarist extraordinaire. Therefore, when you cross-pollinate a love for music, swing, jazz, bossa nova, and each other, you end up with an inspiring, rich sound that lingers on your mind long after the last track has finished.

Remember Me starts with the track "Remember Me", which brings the elements of jazz, bossa nova, and a bit of swing together with Yashmin's vocals and James Carter on flute; this track sets the tone for the entire release, drawing you into their sound. The track "Vira e Mexe" is a great bossa nova track that features Paul singing' on his guitar in response to Yashmin's vocals as she sings in Portuguese, while Allen Farnham dances' on the keyboards.

Their cover of Estou Amando Voce (This Girl's in Love with You), the Burt Bacharach classic, with Yashmin's Portuguese lyrics, and Paul's splendid guitar work is a perfect blend of their creative genius, and they take this classic to new heights.

Yashmin and Paul have not only collaborated on Remember Me, but they have created a release that will be remembered. Though I have the great fortune to have a pre-release copy of Remember Me as part of my music collection, I would recommend that you procure Jobim, etc. and Fearless and let the sounds mix in your mind, and you will have a feel of their collaborative sound; also keep your eyes and ears open for Remember Me. You can also catch Yashmin and Paul live in New York, as I did at Sweet Rhythm in New York; check out Bossa Nova Music for live performance dates.

Jobim, etc., and Fearless may be found on CD Baby, Tower Records, Amazon, and Jazz Record Center. Jobim, etc. is also available in Japan at Disk Union, and Fearless is digitally distributed at Mel Bay Records. Do not forget about Remember Me, which is due out late summer/early fall 2006 on the Bossa Nova Music label.

Note - Music Scene is not sponsored by a third party. All music that is written about in Music Scene are the views and experiences of the writer, and reflects a compilation of music, sent to us by musicians, producers, acquired during travel to unique destinations, recommended by our country host or a local resident, just happening upon a music event, searching out a Jazz club, or other live music venue.

© May 2006. Luxury Experience. www.luxuryexperience.com. All rights reserved.