Irene and Her Latin Jazz Band

Nominated for Jazz Artist of the Year – 19th Annual LA Music Awards

Sounds Like: Astrid Gilberto, Diana Krall, Michael Bublé, Blossom Dearie, Adele

Label: Tuquoise Water Music

Bio: Irene is a singer/songwriter/arranger/pianist with a band. And she’s pretty funny too.

“If you are the sort of person who needs a decent pile of Christmas music to hear over the holidays, yet balk at the same old songs done the usual way, there are alternatives. I have been listening to a review copy of something that might just be the thing. It’s singer Irene Nachreiner and her CD A Hot and Spicy Christmas (Turquoise Water 3657). The arrangements have a Latin flavor–nylon-stringed guitar, marimba, light Latin percussion, etc. I especially like the violinist-fiddler here. The arrangements are quite simple, earnestly lively and non-cliche. Irene has a kind of deadpan vocal delivery, unpretentious, artless. It’s so straightforward and direct that it put me in a good mindset, which for the holidays is so important. This is music to counteract the revulsion you may be experiencing with all the goody-grabbing greed that a Black Friday promotion blast encourages. And we need to get through that. Irene’s music helps. Very much so. ”
Gapplegate * * Music
“Are you in the Christmas spirit? Here is a different way to get into the festivities. Take a listen to A HOT AND SPICY CHRISTMAS, the new CD by Irene Nachreiner with Her Latin Jazz Band. This is not same-old, same-old. This album does not sound like any other seasonal CD in your collection. First it is acoustic, gentle, Latin-jazz-world-fusion vocal music. Second, there are quite a few Christmas carols (centuries-old) here that I guarantee you have not heard before. Third, the few well-known standards you will barely recognize because of the new arrangements. What this adds up to is a fresh-sounding Christmas recording, not like all the others you have heard for the past many decades. This one is different, invigorating and just plain fun. This is a great new holiday CD. And hurry and check it out, because Christmas is just around the corner. Happy holidays. ***** 5 Star Rating”
Review Centre
“John Shelton Ivany’s Top CDs of the Week Syndicated to more than 200 newspapers nationwide: “A Hot & Spicy Christmas” – Irene Nachreiner with Her Latin Jazz Band ”
Shelton Ivany Top CD's of the Week
““A Hot and Spicy Christmas didn’t sound like any other holiday recording. What a refreshing idea!! With the Latin-jazz-world-fusion vocals, acoustic-laced classic carols and remixes in her own style, this is better than a cup of hot cocoa on a cold night. Better yet, this IS a cup of hot cocoa, aromatic, warm to the lips as it makes you feel good inside. Just a really good CD. Happy Holidays!” ”
Marie Michaels, Host & Programmer of Music Beyond Words – Music Beyond Words” show on the commercial jazz station KKHI, Denver, Colorado
“There are several ways to have “A Hot and Spicy Christmas.” You can have a meal of tamales, date a Latin lady, drink some hot mulled spiced cider, or listen to Irene Nachreiner’s album called A Hot and Spicy Christmas. Or maybe you should do all of the above this year. But zeroing in on the music side of Christmas, Irene has come up with a delectable new recording that certainly takes Latin music AND Christmas music in new directions. The whole album is a lot of fun, especially since it does not sound like all the standard Christmas albums that come pouring out each year. The back cover shows a wreath made out of red chili peppers. I don’t think my stomach can take that. I’ll stick to some Christmas pudding or egg nog, but I will plop this CD in the player at every party this year and wait for the inevitable reaction: “That’s interesting music. What is it that we’re listening to?” ”
Elizabeth B. – 8 Notes.com
“Are you ready to hear a Christmas album unlike any other in your CD collection or played incessantly on the radio each year? I have stumbled across the most distinctive, left-field, completely-different Christmas CD ever recorded. I am talking about an album titled A HOT AND SPICY CHRISTMAS by singer Irene Nachreiner backed by Her Latin Jazz Band. It is a little jazzy, a little Latin-y and very refreshing to listen to because it sounds so different. ”
Buzz Music
“ 5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Song! This review is for: The Babe of Bethlehem (MP3 Download) That is a great song! The trumpet and piano opening is indicative of a Christmas celebration south of the border in Mexico. The slightly mariachi-esque composition still contains a merry, folkish melody with classic vocals more in-line with the pop-standards of the 1930s or 40s. The flute sounds, swift piano playing, and trumpet accompaniment signify the merriment of the Babe’s birth in Bethlehem.”
Matthew Forss – Inside World Music
“Jazz Artist of the Year” nominee
Al Bowman – LA MUSIC AWARDS
“Irene and Her Latin Jazz Band interpret 14 familiar songs though this project, capturing the essence of Rio de Janeiro in happy times. Their’s is a lightweight treatment that lets singer and band stroll effortlessly around seasonal flower beds and through leisure-time celebrations.”
Jim Santella – L.A. JAZZ SCENE
“…a sensuous album! This outstanding album is available at www.IreneSings.com and www.Cdbaby.com, along with several digital download locations. A most enjoyable event! ”
Bob Morello – BOSTON POST-GAZETTE
“If your idea of heaven is Brazilian music of he bossa nova vein, you’ve just passed through Saint Peter’s gates with Summer Samba. Sweet-voiced Irene Nachreiner sways through a cornucopia of ’60s samba with a slick, light and glossy band.”
George Harris – All About Jazz
“Irene’s vocals dance over the Latin rhythms, adding a warm sensuality that draws the listener in, inviting them onto that golden beach and relaxing with long cold drinks.”
THE BORDERLAND, UK