Wendy Luck

The sounds of Brazil – sultry, delicious, heartfelt - is music that has always moved my soul…When pianist/producer/arranger Cliff Korman suggested we record in Rio with the Brazilian masters - Nelson Faria, Ney Conceição, Kiko Freitas (the rhythm section of the legendary João Bosco), and with choro band and chorus, it was a dream come true. Percussion wizard Cyro Baptista and guest bassist Sergio Brandão recorded their signature sounds here in New York City, which helped to bring Rio home. The palm trees, sand, sea, and sun of Ipanema, Corcovado, and Arpoador whisper a lush landscape where the sensual sounds of bossa nova, samba, and choro are born. Let the music carry you there. Join me… and I’ll See You in Rio!
Wendy Luck, internationally recognized flutist, vocalist, and composer, has concertized in Italy, Poland, Germany, Budapest, Morocco, Portugal, Greece, Egypt, Israel. Her array of artistic venues range from orchestral/chamber performances at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall to Big Band music as lead vocalist/flutist At the Rainbow Room to avant-garde/jazz at NYC's Knitting Factory, Roulette, and The Kitchen to recording her own compositions in Egypt inside the Great Pyramid and in the temples along the Nile. A third CD entitled See You in Rio, which was recorded in Brazil, features Brazilian jazz. www.wendyluck.com or CD Baby
What the Critics are Saying About Wendy Luck
“See You in Rio: A heartland girl that has conquered New York as well as the world with her flute and other talents takes it down to Rio for a breezy date that we’re simply a sucker for. With nary a Brazilian chestnut in ear shot even when covering Jobim or Djavan, she holds her own down south with a crew of killer Brazilian cats behind her. Solid stuff that crosses the line from smooth jazz into that place where there’s something extra going on, even if you don’t grasp it right away. A tasty find from a player that equally at home with uptown cocktail hours as she is with downtown after hours that knows all the right moves.” – Chris Spector, www.midwestrecord.com
See You in Rio is a unique and charming release from Wendy Luck. Luck displays a warm and soothing voice on many of the Brazilian-flavored selections. She also impressively provides excellent flute solo work on a healthy dose of instrumentals. With heavy and multi-layered percussion work as a backdrop, Luck’s embracing flute punctuates optimistic pieces like “London Samba,’ “Serrado,” and “Bachianas Brasilieros No. 5.” Luck can also change moods, as on the lonely “Café 1930.” Her lilting and well ranged vocals are relaxed and clear. With addictive guitar rhythms, she holds back and then breaks out on songs like “Fotografia.” She holds low notes easily and unstrained, just like a woodwind instrument, as evident on “A Man Who Loves.” Charming and embracing, Luck could easily make it as either a vocalist or soloist. Let’s hope she keeps combining the two as she does on her wonderful See You in Rio.”
- George Harris, All About Jazz-Los Angeles
“Wendy Luck is a consummate musician. Her artistic skill and grace shine through whether she is playing flute on a jazz tune, a choro, or a samba…or singing a ballad or a bossa nova. See You in Rio, her first recording of Brazilian music, is a gem.”
- Randy Morse, “The Best of Brazil” KZUM, 89.3 FM
“Wendy Luck is a highly talented flutist, vocalist, and composer….backed by superb musicians. These Brazilian rhythms are intoxicating.”
- Bob Collins, “Jazz Café” WRHU, 88.7 FM
“These are the warm sounds of Brazil. Vocalist/flutist Wendy Luck is accompanied by Cliff Korman (p), Kiko Freitas (d), Ney Conceicao (b), Nelson Faria (g) and several guest artists; notably Cyro Baptista (percussion). Wendy and Cliff add a few originals to mostly classic Brazilian tunes. We really liked the instrumentals “London Samba”, “Café 1930”, Luck’s soft flute on “Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5” and “Serrado.” Wendy is passionate about samba music and it comes through on the session.”
- D. Oscar Groomes, O’s Place Jazz Newsletter
“It’s a WONDERFUL disc! I like everything about it…. She has a beautiful voice, and her playing is top-notch.”
- Randy Morse, “The Best of Brazil” KZUM, 89.3 FM
“Wendy Luck’s See You in Rio…sweet voice…good control…pitch centered…good expression…believable…excellent flutist.”
- Dr. Michael E. Matheny, Radio Io - World Internet Radio
“Vocalist Wendy Luck offers the sounds of Brazil on a fourteen track new album of beautiful light jazz with a bossa nova and samba flavor recorded in Rio with several Brazilian masters. Luck not only provides the lush vocals but also plays flute on the session of percussive Brazilian jazz.” (Ed’s Pick)
- Edward Blanco, “Serious Jazz” WDNA, 88.9 FM