Artist Highlight - Angela Bofill
by Junko Kawai
UC Jazz Features
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UC Jazz Ensembles perform at Yoshi's
and Teaching Jazz
UC Jazz Affecting Lives
Jazz Afficionados
Frankye Kelly
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Angela Bofill
Leigh Jones
Blossom Dearie
Angela Bofill -
Angela Bofill known as a R&B, Soul, and Jazz vocalist. Whenever she ventured into Jazz she enchanted audiences with her distinctive and clear voice. Angela no longer performs since she is now partially paralyzed. She was released from intensive care on January 15, 2009. She now is working hard on her speech and physical therapy. Ms. Bofill did not have health insurance and therefore thanks her fans, friends, and family who have helped her through this trying time. Learn how you can help on her website: www.angelabofill.com
Angela Bofill was born to a Cuban father and Puerto Rican mother. She performed with Ricardo Morrero & the Group and Dance Theater of Harlem. After completing her studies in California, Bofill was introduced by her friend, jazz flutist Dave Valentin, to Dave Grusin and Larry Rosen of GRP records, and they signed her for her 1978 debut, Angie. The album was a breakout smash on contemporary jazz radio and the tastefully arranged jazz vocal disc showed a gifted young artist with a rich voice beyond her years.
Featuring a number of great cuts, including most notably a cover of This Time I'll Be Sweeter, Angie became one of the year's biggest jazz albums.
1979 she followed her success with Angel of the Night that featured upbeat songs like the fantastic "What I Wouldn't Do" and softer tracks such as "I Try".
She drew the attention of star producer Clive Davis. He convinced Arista Records to purchase her GRP contract. She was teamed with hot writer/producer Narada Michael Walden for Something About You, which was a great success.
Angela Bofill stretched the boundaries for her jazz fans with this new album which provided her with some of the best material of her career, including the stepper "Holding Out For Love" and the wonderful ballads "Break It To Me Gently" and Earl Klugh's "You Should Know By Now."
Angela Bofill is a warm-hearted and lovely woman that inspires great passion from her listeners. One reviewer, Jazysol79, stated: Angela Bofill's voice is a true wonder. Exotic and exhilirating, sweet and soothing, picturesque and inviting. She conjures vivid imagery with her interpretations. I discovered "Angie" about five years ago not too long after I started college. I picked up a vinyl copy, and I have been in love with Angela ever since. This beautifully packaged reissue truly does the album justice. "Under the Moon and Over the Sky" is a jazz/fusion delight; it's Afro-Cuban rhythms are intoxicating. The highs and lows Bofill hits will give you chills. It is that kind of drama that makes this record a compelling listen. Her definitive take on "This Time I'll Be Sweeter" is a joyous, moving masterpiece. Her pleas of "have faith in me" are almost palpable. But in my opinion, the best track is "The Only Thing I Would Wish For." The jazzy vocal arrangement and flute work by Dave Valentin paint a real picture of what GRP was all about in its infancy. The liner notes and packaging are also great. So this CD is well worth the price... it is a moving experience."
Angela Bofill, "Tonight I give in"
