Review of Simply

"simply" by T. Mychael Rambo, is an intimate collection of jazz standards embracing the tradition of greats like Johnny Hartman, Lou Rawls, and Al Jarreau. Rambo crafts a rich landscape of texture and rhythm, woven together by spoken word interludes underscored by some of the Twin Cities finest musicians: arranger-Keith McCutchen on piano, Jay Young and Adam Linz on bass, Bobby Commodore and R. Brandon Commodore on drums, and Daryl Boudreaux on percussion. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Matthew Zimmerman at WildSound in Minneapolis, MN.

This collaboration has produced a recording "...that captures the smoldering passion and storytelling ability of a truly masterful vocal artist."

~Bruce Henry, Jazz Vocalist/African American Musicologist

With selections like "simply", the title track, and "Motherland", T. Mychael demonstrates his ability as a wordsmith and a Griot of song. His sultry treatment of "Teach Me Tonight" and "You Don't Know What Love Is" are delivered with such verve and finesse, one savors every note. "Ill Wind", "Dedicated To You", "Dindi", and the quintessential "Lush Life" are captured with the pure honesty and simplicity of a seasoned jazz balladeer. His playful and upbeat renditions of "Anyone Can Whistle" and "I'm Beginning To See The Light" are a welcomed addition to this dynamic recording.

"simply" reveals a vocal artist who is more than "Just A Lucky So and So", T. Mychael Rambo is "...the essence of timing and phrasing, a compelling messenger, heart and soul...a signature voice"

~Leigh Kamman, Minnesota Public Radio - THE JAZZ IMAGE

Biography: T. Mychael Rambo

A resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, T. Mychael's mellifluous sound is heard throughout the Twin Cities at some of the areas finest jazz hotspots. He has had the honor of performing with such notables as Bobby McFarren, Vesta Williams, Jennifer Holliday, Marilyn McCoo, Jevetta Steele, and The Sounds of Blackness.

The powerhouse baritone has performed throughout Canada, Europe, Africa and Brazil. His most recent concert abroad, the George Gershwin opera "Porgy and Bess", toured throughout France and Switzerland. His most cherished performances include: singing for Maya Angelou; making his Carnegie Hall debut with the Minnesota Orchestra in October of 2000; performing vocals at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center; and singing the National Anthem for the 1989 NBA Play-Offs (Lakers/Pistons) at the Los Angeles Forum.

As artistic producer, T. Mychael collaborated with Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) to produce "The Gift-A Christmas With Love", featuring selections from his holiday recording.

In the summer of 2004, Rambo and MPR joined forces again to present "Heart of the Man", a tribute to the rich mellow sound of the jazz balladeers: Johnny Hartman, Nat King Cole, Billy Eckstine and Joe Williams.

T. Mychael is the recepient of several awards for artistic excellence: the 1995 William W. Griffin Award, the 1997/98 Critics Choice Award, the 1997/1998 B. Ida Payne Award, The National Business League-Artist of the Year Award, and the coveted Phoenix Award.

He has won grants from Intermedia Arts, Arts over AIDS, New Music Theatre Ensemble, St. Paul Companies, Jerome Foundation, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.