"flawless in time and effortless in swing, blossoming in the presence of tunes that represent the best of the Great American Songbook.” – SHADES OF JAZZ, NPR

St. Louis, June 7th, 2005 - Best known in the St. Louis area for his self-accompanied piano singing in popular bars and bistros, performing artist and vocalist Al Oxenhandler has captured the hearts and ears of listeners for 20 years. In his first jazz/ vocal CD Something’s Gotta Give, Al’s music spans genres from composers Jobim to Cole Porter to his own, modern day compositions. A talent born of admiration of the music of Sinatra, Joe Williams and Mel Torme, Oxenhandler has accrued more and more recognition as a jazz voice in his own right. Al’s quick wit and disarming brand of humor and repartee are a bonus that music lover’s have come to enjoy.

Oxenhandler’s Mix
This performance marks the first time a CD release event has occurred in the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz. “I am enthusiastic about Al’s music.” Says Brad Cance, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton. “That’s why he plays in our Lobby Lounge. And when he came to me with the CD Party idea, I thought it would be a great tie-in with my Cystic Fibrosis alliance and Al was for it too. It’s a win-win.” A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the CF organization. “This is a party,” Oxenhandler said. “This album has been hard work and I’m happy with it. I want this event to be more of a celebration rather than being up on a stage doing a concert, and the Ritz is perfect for this.” The CD features tunes from a straight-ahead quartet version of Cole Porter’s Under My Skin, to a Latin, bosa nova take on Jimmy Van Huesen’s torch number, Here’s That Rainy Day. There are also a few big band cuts on the CD that feature new tunes from Oxenhandler and long time friend, Al Hammerman. Not to mention the high energy ‘Wild Cool & Swingin’ Band’s take on Jack Lawrence’s All or Nothing at All. In a recent review of the new CD by NPR’s Shades of Jazz, Oxenhandler’s singing style was cited as, “flawless in time and effortless in swing, blossoming in the presence of tunes that represent the best of the Great American Songbook.” Al chose the CD title, Something’s Gotta Give referring not only to its Johnny Mercer cut, but “a feeling about those times in your life where you know you’ve given it your best and then it’s outta your hands. You could be on the cusp or the brink,” Alan says, “but either way, you know something’s gotta give!”

Personnel
The CD release party for Something’s Gotta Give takes place in the cozy and elegant setting of the Lobby Lounge of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis Hotel on Thursday, June 23rd beginning at 8:00 p.m. Located at 100 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton, Alan will be joined at the event by a rotating backup band of top-notch talent, most of whom perform on his new jazz/ vocal album. Al’s Stellar Studio Band consists of first-class pianists David Venn and Curt Landes, bassist David Troncoso, percussionists Matt Kimmick, Joe Weber and Blake Travis and harmonicist Sandy Weltman. Other St. Louis musical luminaries will be making cameo appearances in the band throughout the evening.

For convenience and savings, CD’s will be available at a special price to guests who purchase them directly from their server along with a cocktail order. Otherwise, autographed CD’s will be on hand and priced at $15. After the event, CDs on the Indy label may be purchased at St. Louis area Borders Bookstores, Webster Records, www.cdbaby.com, www.aloxlive.com and other outlets. Admission to the event and self-parking in the Ritz garage are free. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. For more information, contact the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis at (314) 863-6300 or visit www.aloxlive.com. This event is produced in association with DeBlaze & Associates.