"You won’t find singer Felicia Carter and bassist Amy Shook dutifully saluting prime influences on 'Nothing to Do.' They’re too busy toasting boisterous spirits, celebrating witty songcraft and conjuring warm lyricism." - Mike Joyce, Washington Post
Following their collaboration of music for a PBS documentary, jazz vocalist Felicia Carter and bassist Amy Shook joined forces in forming ShookShak Productions, to showcase their original music. Their recent recording, "Nothing to Do", features the same ensemble from Carter's critically acclaimed double CD, "Feather/Step Lightly"; the FAB Trio (Amy Shook - bass, Bob Butta - piano, Frank Russo - drums), and Donato Soviero (guitar).
ShookShak Production's maiden release, "Nothing to Do", is now available on Amazon, CD Baby, and iTunes.
"Engaging...bluesy, countrified jazz, fronted by a woman whose power is subtlety." - Bret McCabe, City Paper
NOTHING TO DO
FEATHER/STEP LIGHTLY
“Here’s a double-disc collection by a contemporary jazz vocalist that not only warrants its length, it leaves you wanting more...Carter can cast a spell with her lyrics alone..."
— Mike Joyce, Washington Post
With her remarkable (2008) twin disc recording, "Feather/Step Lightly", Felicia Carter gives an affectionate nod to the double vinyl LP. The double CD format allows Carter to defy songwriting genres on "Feather", while showcasing her finesse with traditional jazz and blues on "Step Lightly". The album features a dynamic, all-star rhythm section of Carter’s jazz fellows; pianist Bob Butta, bassist Amy Shook, drummer Frank Russo, and guitarist Donato Soviero. Providing additional instrumentation are special guest players on harp, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, as well as Carter’s own layered vocal harmonies for selected tracks. Engineered by Rob Byers, the majority of the recording was completed without instrumental isolation for a cohesive, live feel. The "Feather/Step Lightly" sessions took place at NPR Studios in Washington DC.
The first CD, "Feather", unfurls Carter’s unique songwriting voice. The album is a multi-faceted journey with a lyrical arc, from the rollicking first track “Hurricane” (Carter’s self-professed theme song), to the worn-down cowgirl sensibility of the last, “Mad Boys” (an ode to the Morning 40 Federation). "Feather" is the cumulative expression of Carter’s many musical experiences as composer, lyricist, performer, and producer. Combining influences of jazz, blues, and rock/pop, Carter manifests an uncommon vision with this album.
"Step Lightly", the second offering in the duo, is a long awaited follow-up to her first jazz and blues recording, "In the Pink…" (2001). Among Carter’s original blues compositions on "Step Lightly" are brassy fan favorites “Complicated Woman” and “Hooray For You”. Seven of the eleven tracks are well-loved standards from the Great American Songbook, including “Almost Like Being in Love”, and “I Can’t Get Started”. For the title track, Carter offers lyrical counterpoint to Joe Henderson’s big band composition, while the quartet swings a small-group arrangement.
“an Americana masterpiece-in-the-waiting...one of the best albums of the first decade of the 21st century.”
— John Book, The Run Off Groove
— Mike Joyce, Washington Post
With her remarkable (2008) twin disc recording, "Feather/Step Lightly", Felicia Carter gives an affectionate nod to the double vinyl LP. The double CD format allows Carter to defy songwriting genres on "Feather", while showcasing her finesse with traditional jazz and blues on "Step Lightly". The album features a dynamic, all-star rhythm section of Carter’s jazz fellows; pianist Bob Butta, bassist Amy Shook, drummer Frank Russo, and guitarist Donato Soviero. Providing additional instrumentation are special guest players on harp, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, as well as Carter’s own layered vocal harmonies for selected tracks. Engineered by Rob Byers, the majority of the recording was completed without instrumental isolation for a cohesive, live feel. The "Feather/Step Lightly" sessions took place at NPR Studios in Washington DC.
The first CD, "Feather", unfurls Carter’s unique songwriting voice. The album is a multi-faceted journey with a lyrical arc, from the rollicking first track “Hurricane” (Carter’s self-professed theme song), to the worn-down cowgirl sensibility of the last, “Mad Boys” (an ode to the Morning 40 Federation). "Feather" is the cumulative expression of Carter’s many musical experiences as composer, lyricist, performer, and producer. Combining influences of jazz, blues, and rock/pop, Carter manifests an uncommon vision with this album.
"Step Lightly", the second offering in the duo, is a long awaited follow-up to her first jazz and blues recording, "In the Pink…" (2001). Among Carter’s original blues compositions on "Step Lightly" are brassy fan favorites “Complicated Woman” and “Hooray For You”. Seven of the eleven tracks are well-loved standards from the Great American Songbook, including “Almost Like Being in Love”, and “I Can’t Get Started”. For the title track, Carter offers lyrical counterpoint to Joe Henderson’s big band composition, while the quartet swings a small-group arrangement.
“an Americana masterpiece-in-the-waiting...one of the best albums of the first decade of the 21st century.”
— John Book, The Run Off Groove
