The third installment in Ahanu’s celebrated spoken word musical series, (STAW) + (REE) + (TEL) + (UH) continues his exploration of narrative as a vehicle for truth, reflection, and transformation. Produced by North Carolina based producer Mike Blayz, this latest project fuses dynamic lyricism with lush musical backdrops, weaving stories that hold up a mirror to our lives, our communities, and the challenges and triumphs we face.

“Stories have impact,” Ahanu explains. “They center truths. They are mirrors to the soul. They remind us of everything that we are, everything we go through, and everything we have overcome.”

(STAW) + (REE) + (TEL) + (UH), Vol. 3 showcases Ahanu’s commanding voice alongside guest appearances from a stellar lineup of collaborators, including Illpo, J. Melodik, Tamisha Waden, Osc Kelly, Shamika Chantae, Genesis Harris, and Shikeish. The result is a project that is as intimate as it is expansive, affirming Ahanu’s reputation as one of the most compelling storytellers in contemporary spoken word.

With this release, Ahanu once again demonstrates the power of storytelling as a cultural force—one rooted in southern traditions yet resonant across borders, fitting in with the current trend of spoken word albums gaining popularity. The album has been submitted for consideration in the Best Spoken Word Album category at the GRAMMY Awards®. More information on the submission process and the category can be found at https://www.recordingacademy.com/.

Album Credits:

Produced by Mike Blayz

Guest Artists: Illpo, J. Melodik, Tamisha Waden, Osc Kelly, Shamika Chantae, Genesis Harris, Shikeish
Contact Information: Dasan Ahanu, dasan@dasanahanu.com, 984.837.0831

An acclaimed artist on the Los Angeles jazz scene, Winkler’s original songs have been sung and recorded by a cadre of top singers like Dianne Reeves, Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, and Dee Dee Bridgewater.

Over his long recording career, Winkler has invited other top jazz vocalists to join him in the studio. He has recorded with Jackie Ryan, Steve Tyrell, Claire Martin, and Sara Gazarek, among others. He shared top billing on two albums with Cheryl Bentyne from the iconic group The Manhattan Transfer, and collaborated with David Benoit on their album Old Friends, about which Jersey Jazz said, “Winkler is one of the best male vocalists on the jazz scene.”

Big Noise has worked with Winkler since 2013.

Despite his long tenure at the microphone, Winkler does not just sit on his laurels. Each new album builds on the previous one. According to JW Vibe, “Winkler is one of those rare artists who not only never misses, but keeps getting better with time.”

Winkler continues to seek new and interesting ways of expressing himself through the creative energy he draws from working with other like-minded artists. For Hold On, he worked with six stellar pianists, including Grammy Award Winner John Beasley, Rich Eames, Tamir Hendelman, Eric Reed, Greg Gordon Smith, and Jamieson Trotter. Each brings his own style to the project, creating a rich tapestry of sounds.

Also joining Winkler are some top Los Angeles players including Gabe Davis (bass), Christian Euman (drums), Kendall Kay (drums), Bob Sheppard (sax), Brian Swartz (trumpet), Lemar Guillary (trombone), Joey De Leon (percussion), George Doering (guitar), Emmy Award Nominee Grant Geissmann (guitar), and The GGS Singers (background vocals).

The album was produced by Barbara Brighton, who also produced eight of Winkler’s previous albums.

Over the years, Winkler mainly wrote lyrics with four major collaborator composers. For Hold On, Winkler co-wrote four of the eleven songs with Greg Gordon Smith, whose production company specializes in cinematic original music and sonic branding for major brands like Hulu and Dolby. Winkler says, “Greg is a fantastic composer. We’re really in sync with each other. I feel like I found my very own Bacharach.”

Winkler opens the album with the title track, his original co-written with Smith, “Hold On,” which Smith also arranged. “A Little Taste” is an iconic Dave Frishberg song. Winkler was attracted to its witty, literate lyrics. As a lyricist, Winkler is particularly drawn to great writers and considers Frank Loesser one of the best. Most versions of Loesser’s “If I Were a Bell” have been sung by women, but Winkler could not resist singing it.

Winkler is a film buff and loves noir and campy sci-fi moves. “Cat Women on the Moon” is his homage to the goofy sci-fi flicks of the fifties. After Frank Sinatra put his imprimatur on “It Was a Very Good Year,” relatively few people dared to record it. But Winkler finds his own way with the song after he was inspired by a bossa nova version he heard.

Another collaboration with Smith, Winkler co-wrote the swinger “My Future’s Just a Memory.” Written from the perspective of an older person, the song is about consciously savoring the good moments of your life. Billy Joel’s “Vienna,” a song suggested by Brighton, features Beasley’s spare and elegant arrangement, which allows the lyrics to shine.

Winkler was inspired to write “Train in the Desert” after visiting an exhibit of Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings. When Winkler started dating again after his husband passed away, he met some “interesting” people. “The Devil Don’t Want a Saint,” arranged by Eames, was inspired by one guy in particular who wound up being quite different than he pretended to be.

Composed by Smith, “My Electric Car” is Winkler’s homage to clean energy. Winkler closes the album with “I Dream of You Each Night.” It was inspired by the TV series Fellow Travelers, a show about two gay men in the 1950s who had to hide their decades-long relationship. Coming of age in the 60s and 70s, Winkler well understands the oppression that gay men endured.

Mark Winkler has accrued a legion of fans because he has shown time and again his ability to engage hearts and minds as a performer, recording artist, and lyricist. Hold On brings us into Winkler’s world where swing, humor, and even elegance conspire to create a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.

Hold On was released on Café Pacific Records and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and all streaming platforms.

Online:
Markwinklermusic.com
facebook.com/mark.winkler.10