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©2005 Rob Whitlock. All rights reserved.

 




Amber Whitlock
is writing and producing partner to Rob Whitlock for their many projects along the way, as well as being his wife. A session singer since the mid seventies, Amber has been singing Jazz and Popular music for years and is well seasoned and mature in her approach. Her voice is creamy & reaching and she has been known to bring feelings to the surface that you didn't know you were having.

Her debut release cd "The Colours of Life" includes original songs as well as covers of "Betcha' By Golly Wow" the old Philly Sound classic, "When She Loved Me" by Randy Newman, and a unique version of "When I Look In Your Eyes" from the original Dr. Doolittle musical, with an incredible & unusual solo from Anthony Jackson on bass.

Original song "Queen of Mediocrity", features guitar god Scott Henderson tearing a hole through the dark corners of your brain. And Jazz great Michael Brecker joins Amber on the title cut playing with such soul that it permeates your very existence. Rob teams up with Amber and accoustic bassist Trey Henry to underscore with tenderness and simplicity "When She Loved Me", an almost classical endeavor. Other songs include a gorgeous gospel choir of LA's top singers & a vocoder solo by Rob, playing along with friend & guitarist Brian Price.

There are two Old School Duets featured, the first with Jim Gilstrap of Stevie Wonder fame ("You are The Sunshine of My Life"). Jim always brings it on home the very first time around with his warm rich baritone voice, and luscious falsetto. "Until Now" features a favorite partner of Amber's, Leonard Tucker, who blends with her like milk with honey for a playful romp echoing the classic group Sea Wind.

Having enlisted the immeasurable talent of Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, tasteful grooves on the title song, ballads and even one song in seven, are delivered; reminding us why Sting, Faith Hill & Frank Zappa, among others, count Vinnie as their favorite drummer. Cliff Almond, also one of the nation's powerhouse drummers, is one with Anthony whether playing swing, salsa, fusion or pop. Here he rocks out on "Too Cool To Fool" and instills mystery and vision to "When I Look In Your Eyes".

The cd is reminiscent of the warm sounds of the 70s and early 80s old school soul and jazz, and can be listened to intently for nuance of musicianship, or used as a soundtrack to your own busy life. Either way the sounds and songs are soothing, inspiring and haunting. Original artwork is by Lanet and photography by Rob Whitlock. This cd is enhanced with an original short movie about the making of the Sketchin' projects created by Amber, with artwork by Julius Pastorius and others. Purchase cd here and view other ways to purchase music by Amber.

Influences include: Billie Holiday, Roberta Flack, Phyllis Hyman, Nancy Wilson, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones and many others.

Currently Amber is listening to Diana Krall, Norah Jones and Madeline Peyroux...