Debut Album: The Secret of a Rose

The repertoire for this album developed out of my personal response to the climate of negativity over the past few years. Life has taught me, well keeps teaching me, that there is always hope, and there is beauty, that this is a beautiful life we have here - where there are dark shadows, there is also light. For me, these songs are about affirmation and acceptance because ....

"Beneath the deepest snows, the secret of a rose,
Is merely that it knows, you must believe in spring!”

You Must Believe in Spring, Legrand / Bergman

Emilie Conway (Voice), Johnny Taylor (Piano), Dave Fleming (Double Bass), Dominic Mullan (Drums)

Photography, Richard Bonert

Recorded 13th, 14th November 2009, 5th March 2010, & September 15th 2011 by Dave McCune at The Ventry, Recording Studios Balbriggan, Co. Dublin.

Mixed by Dave McCune. Mastered by Bob Katz, Digital Domain Florida

Produced by Emilie Conway & Dave McCune | Additional Production by Melanie Bong

Reviews

"It was absolutely fabulous. She sang songs from debut album, The Secret of a Rose, songs to celebrate spring and interspersed the songs with chat about a time in Chicago and how she came to be a jazz singer. She has such a fabulous, mellow, sweet voice….I can’t tell you how good it was. It was full. People around us were talking about what a lovely voice she had, they were thoroughly enjoying it. She finished to a standing ovation, did one more song and then finished to another standing ovation. Absolutely fantastic."

Review of Concert at Linenhall by Gary Browne on Mike Riichard's Show., Jan 31st: CRCfm

"Emilie Conway's voice is a clear, calming and beautiful thing. Her honesty shines through each song that she interprets, forging a deep connection with the listener.'
- Alan Meaney Athlone Communcity Radio: From Major To Minor

"I recently had the pleasure of been entertained to a really good evening of jazz on the launch of Emilie Conway's new CD The Secret of a Rose. The Emile Conway Jazz Quartet, with Emilie, voice, Johnny Taylor. piano, Dave Fleming, double bass and Dominic Mullan, drums were first class and played a lovely mix of standards and some new composition all of which can be found on the CD. A standing ovation at the end of the show was only what this Singer and trio deserved. I look forward to hearing them very soon again" 

Review of Concert at Ballina Arts Centre by Tommy Murphy, Midwest Radio, MWR FM

"Emilie Conway has a beautifully positive approach to delivering her music and her presence, not to mention her beautiful voice. It is performers like Emilie Conway that lift the spirits of people and give them hope and a renewed approach to realise "Spring" is always in the air." 

Tommy Morahan WestCoastFm

"Emilie Conway, a Dublin born jazz singer whose stage debut was an impromptu session with Jon Hendricks and Kurt Elling in a Chicago club in 1999, is possessed of a set of air freshner tones and uses them to very adroit affect on this collection of jazz standards (everything from Michel Legrand to Cole Porter with one original thrown in). But she's not the only performer to impress - pianist Johnny Taylor also plays a blinder. Yet another re-invention of the jazz wheel it maybe, but it's still a beguiling and balmy listen." * * * * 

The Sunday Business Post, Album Reviews, Jonathan O'Brien, March 18

"The Secret of a Rose is a jazz singer’s album in the classic style. Emilie Conway's unaffected, slightly breathy voice has an authentic quality which renders songs believable, and with a consummately professional job from bassist Dave Fleming and drummer Dominic Mullan (and some moments of magic from Taylor) dusty chestnuts such as Time After Time, So in Love and It Might as Well Be Spring come up smelling of roses" * * *

The Irish Times, Cormac Larkin, March 30

"THIS young Irish singer combines a love of melody with a feeling for the nuances of lyrics. Her diction is spot-on at every tempo. She has the kind of straight-ahead style that appeals not only to jazz fans but also to a more mainstream audience. Her musicians are second to none when it comes to sensitive backing."

The Sunday Independent, Grainne Farren, April 7

"Emilie has a warmth in her voice which can only be enhanced by the thoughtful musicianship employed throughout her debut album "The Secret of a Rose.". This quartet have been working together for a number of years - and it shows. There is a listening comfort in knowing that the track selection and arrangements have been carefully worked out over an extended period. Johnny Taylor is a young pianist with great style and timing which is a fulcrum around which Dave Fleming ( double bass ) and Dominic Mullen on drums deliver of their best.
The season of spring is a dominant theme in proceedings which suggests to this listener that more musical goodies are in the offing and I am confident that as she goes into the summer her following on release will benefit enormously from this recording debut!" 

-Album Review by Sean Brophy, Jazzorama, Dublin City FM 103.2 and Jazz Spec, Dublin South FM, 93.9

"Unabashed in its affection for classic, cocktail anthems, the record will appeal to anyone wanting to indulge their inner lounge lizard. Star of the show is Conway’s voice."

Edwin McFee, Hot Press, May, 17 2012