By Esther Callens
A wonderful recording is newly available by a fantastic artist benefiting a worthy organization. Every Little Star is an awesome CD of some fantastic music by the incredible vocalist Abigail Riccards. What’s even more exciting is the fact that all proceeds from the sale of Every Little Star goes to support the not for profit organization ArtStrides.
Abigail Riccards is and will always be a vital component of the jazz industry. Although she is a new, young artist, her vocals suggest that she possess an old soul that is perfectly equipped for singing jazz in its purest element. It was in 2003 in New York that she began capturing numerous audiences with her sensational vocals and signature style. Her previous albums, When The Night Is New and Soft Rains Fall further add to her success as a undisputed talent. Now she is based in Chicago further rising as the premiere vocalist of the Windy City. Her latest endeavor, Every Little Star is a marvelous collection of tunes out of the Great American songbook.
The collection opens with Abigail Riccards giving a lively performance on Jerome Kem and Oscar Hammerstein’s classic “I’ve Told Every Star.” “How Deep Is The Ocean” (Irvin Berlin) presents her rich voice paired with an phenomenal arrangement. “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” (Jimmy McHugh, Dorothy Fields) opens with Abigail Riccards displaying her awesome versatility as she offers an impromptu scat. It is amazing! The 12 selection set closes on a high note with Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon’s timeless chart topper –”Bye Bye Blackbird.” Sure, Every Little Star is an assortment of excellent melodies but what makes it special is Abigail Riccards and those impressive vocals.
*ArtStride is a NYC based nonprofit organization that provides art based educational programs (i.e. music, etc.) to economically challenged children and their parents. In doing so they believe that a happy child will be a vital asset to society.
