Grammy-nominated vocalist and song-writer, Carla Helmbrecht, began her love affair with music at the age of eight, when she began taking piano lessons and singing.While continuing her jazz studies with the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble I, under direction of Alan Shinn, she had the opportunity to perform with and open for jazz notables, such as Tuck and Patti, the Yellowjackets, Louie Bellson, and Tony Campizi. She was awarded “best vocal performance†by IAGE, and is featured on the Texas Tech University Jazz Ensemble’s CD, SEEIN'THE LIGHT...HEARIN'THE HUB-TONES (Sea Breeze Records, 1997).In 1994, Heart Music announced the release of Helmbrecht’s debut CD, ONE FOR MY BABY, which showcases a collection of traditional jazz standards (and a few non-traditional ones). She was joined by a host of world-class musicians such as Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Kim Richmond (alto sax, clarinet), Chris Seiter (trombone), and Frank Mantooth (piano and arranger). ONE FOR MY BABY moved to a prominent position on Gavin's Jazz Chart.In 2001, Heart Music released Carla’s BE COOL BE KIND, featuring Ernie Watts (saxophone), Joe LaBarbara (drums), Tom Warrington (bass), Peter Horvath (piano and arranger), Clay Jenkins (trumpet), Michael Spiro (percussion), and Larry Koonse (guitar). BE COOL BE KIND debuted as “the 1 most added jazz record on radio in the nationâ€, and reached 8 on Gavin Jazz radio. The album received three Grammy nominations.Her most recent recording, HERE'S TO LOVE - with Akio Sasajima, was released in Japan, 2004. This recording features Akio (guitar), Harvie S. (bass), and Peter Horvath (piano).Carla can also be heard singing on recent television shows, such as THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS (ABC) and THE DISTRICT (FOX), as well as a recent ShowTime Movie, SIXTEEN CANDLES. The major motion picture, SMILE (released April 2005) features a recording by Carla entitled, “Vanishing Romance.â€See reviews in Jazz Times, JAZZIZ, DownBeat, Billboard Magazine, R&R Magazine, Swing Journal, LA Jaz Scene, Jazz Now, and Cadence.
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