I am one of those rare bandleaders who has had the rare pleasure of having someone in the band of whom I am a big fan. On the few occasions when I can get Bill Cantos as a "side man" I am always better for it, both musically and spiritually. But listening to this new CD of his is an altogether different, and superior pleasure. I have loved his song writing all along, but these songs are exquisite. I have loved his singing, but this is the best, the most convinced and convincing I've heard him sing. His playing is especially precious to me, but he is playing better than ever on this CD. I believe in Bill as an artist, but this project makes me believe on a whole new level.

-Kirk Whalum 10/25/00

"I've known Bill for so many years, and it's high time he got the recognition he deserves. He has come into his own as a singer and songwriter."

-Kevyn Lettau

"This guy has got the gift to be able to play so many styles well. You don't expect a player and arranger of this top-notch caliber to also have the gift of golden vocal chords, great intonation and beautiful phrasing. A human being is lucky if they have one of the above talents, but in the case of Bill Cantos - he holds them all.

Oh, by the way, I forgot one thing - he's a brilliant songwriter."

-Jay Graydon

Easily one of the best releases of the year, this amazingly diverse collection shines amidst the attempts of so many artists who feel they have to stay within certain parameters to have a chance in the commercial marketplace.

Following his own highly melodic and stylistically wild muse, Cantos - a well known session player in smooth jazz circles and longtime fixture on the LA club scene - darts happily between genres but keeps everything flowing by virtue of a smooth yet powerful voice that has all the inviting qualities and tender charm of James Taylor.

Though his strong phrasing, clever lyrics and catchy songwriting are the first areas to capture your attention, his improvisational piano playing is yet another of his gifts. One of the best examples of this is the playful jazz soloing on the Latin-fired arrangement of El DeBarge's romantic '80s hit "All This Love." If you look at this collection like a movie, it's quite the adventure. He opens with the gospel inflected "New Red Coat," a clever story song that seems a bit strange until you realize he's singing about his powerful conversion to the Christian faith. "You Can't Go Back (But You Can Go On)" is a breezy ode to keeping that faith once tested.

Cantos' sweet, heartfelt side emerges on "Give Me That Smile" and he adds a funky exoticism to a sparse arrangement of Annie Lennox's "Precious." While the album has an amazing optimism shining through, Cantos isn't all about simply shouting praises. "The Deepest Blue" is heartbreaking in its melancholy. Recovery is complete in the upbeat "Can I Help It" (featuring amazing and seductive vocal textures), so he can then tell us about this funky little New York club dream about seeing Ella Fitzgerald and (on the best cut) telling us all about how "Sweet and Lovely" she is. His original song features lyrics drawing from titles that Fitzgerald sang and breaks for a straight ahead reading of Gershwin's "Lady Be Good," with Cantos scatting much like the lady he's singing about.

A few more gentle romances lead to the grand finale, a slowly building, powerfully rewarding story about a dream Cantos had as a child, waking up to see a "Movie In The Night Sky" which, with a million stars shining as a backdrop, reflects the endlessly intriguing story of his own life and the dreams he let get away. Not strictly smooth jazz, pop, R&B, Latin or gospel, this album still finds a way to take hold and demand hundreds of listens before it could ever wear out its welcome.

(Jonathan Widran, Smooth Jazz News)

"Bill, I just popped "Movie In The Night Sky" into my CD drive. It's fantastic!!! So hip, and I love the timbre of your voice. The production is extremely nice too. I wish you the very best.

-Lorraine Feather
(BTW, Lorraine&Mac226;s about to release a CD of Fats Waller pieces with her lyrics/vocals. Some of the songs can be heard at http://www.lorrainefeather.com/mp3s.html)

Hi, Mari,

We've never met, but I recently purchased your new CD, „And All This, and I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy it. I really like the opening cut ('Jojo's Call' I think is the title.) The rhythmic stuff you do on that piece is wild!!

I also especially like 'Tuscany Morning', and your improvisations at the end of the CD are lovely. I also like what you did with the Bach piece. Adding the percussion was a great idea!

Anyway, Mari, you have a wonderful talent, and I'll be truly disappointed if there are not more CDs from you in the future. :) I'm also a big fan of your husbands, and I'm looking forward to getting his new CD.

God's blessings to you both,

Alex Duncan

Hi Bill, my name is Mindye Fortgang & I'm a singer/songwriter pianist from Long Island, New York. I just wanted to tell you that I've been a fan of yours for a long time. I'm one of those people who are always carefully reading liner notes & info on album jackets. I've long admired your writing, playing & singing. It seems that you can get your music through Japanese & European imports & such but not here. I have a friend in Italy who has sent me some of your music...but I'm always on the search here. I went web surfing & found your website. I was really happy to find out that "Who Are You" was actually available in Tower Records. I immediately drove over & picked up the CD...& I haven't stopped listening to it since.
I love every track on it. I was glad to see you covered "Daddy's Gonna Miss You". That's always been one of my favorite Yellowjackets tunes. The entire CD was beautifully produced....melodic, tender & funky!!! I especially love the groove & vocals on "Settlin Down". It's great when I'm driving around.

I'll be puchasing your other CD&Mac226;s from your website real soon.
Good luck, & thanks for the inspiration your music gives me.

Dear Bill,

I have been a fan of your music for quite a while, and was thrilled yesterday when I happened to see the name "Bill Cantos" on the Barnes & Noble listening station. I already have the "Who are You" Import, but still bought the US version just to support you. Right on, man. Glad to see you in the stores. I first heard your music on a bootleg of the Jay Graydon All Star concert in Sweden. Congratulations on the new website, and also on all the great things that are coming your way. Best of luck to you and Mari (whose CD I am about to purchase).

Sincerely,

Dan Binstock

JUST PURCHASED BILL'S CD! ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING MORE OF YOU. WILL ALSO LOOK FOR MARI'S CD AS WELL. THANKS FOR A WONDERFUL LISTENING EXPERIENCE. HAVE TURNED OTHERS ON TO YOU, TOO.

ARLINDA FROM BUFFALO, NY

********************

Hello!

Thank you for making it possible for me to buy one of the greatest CD's ever (Movie In The Night Sky)!!!!!!I have had the "Brentwood" and the "Who Are You" albums for several years now and I also have had the joy of meeting Bill when he played in Oslo with Jake The Rake (Jay Graydon, that is - ed.). I remember Bill was very impressed over my special-made sweater, with various cover art printed on including his own albums...for me it was unbelievable that one of my favourite artists was so "down to earth and nice to talk to,"............. Wow, I am listening to the piano solo on "Precious" while writing this I had to stop writing for a moment and play it again .......its a masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care, and please let me know when the next BC CD is coming!

Regards,

Petter Solholm

Bergen/Norway

Mari -

Just saw you at the KSBR Birthday Bash (Mission Viejo) and wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed hearing you perform. You play keyboard with such vitality and strength that I was immediately swept into the music. I've just put together my order for "And All This" and look forward to receiving it. Please post upcoming performances, if any, in Orange County or surrounding areas, as I'd love to see you in person again. Sending much appreciation for your marvelous talents.

Marsha J

Hey Bill & Mari.

My name's Elina, and I'm a 16 year old singer/dancer/all that stuff from south orange county. My vocal jazz group sang at the KSBR birthday bash thing before the show, and I stayed not really knowing what the whole thing was about. I have to say, I was sitting there awestruck the entire time. A friend of mine set up blankets up in front of the front row on the grass, so I just sat there melting... I've never seen anything like it. So much amazing music in one place. My personal opinion has always been that music reached a high point in jazz, and most of the stuff that came after that is just kind of tumbling downhill... So all my friends just kind of look at me strangely while I listen to Ella Fitzgerald and kenny Garrett. I never really got into contemporary jazz having heard too much elevator music, which is not my style. But apparently I was missing out, 'cause the show was awesome, and you two were my favorites.

Anyway, music is my passion, please put me on your mailing list:)

-Elena

Ps---you are doing the bash next year right? I'll be there for sure. i wouldn't miss it...

Hi Bill,

First time I heard New Red Coat I couldn't sit still ... trouble was, I was driving at the time - damn near ran off the road. Kept trying to find the CD at the usual locales - no luck. Called KSBR here in OC and they directed me to your website. Very cool stuff. I write a little. I was blow away by the chord changes and the vocals. Tried to sing a little scat along with you, but you pretty much left me in the dust. Can't wait to hear the whole album.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to put out some great music.

Guy Greco

Bill,

Okay... So your CD arrives and I'm listening wondering which of the 14 songs might be one of those throwaways, you know the songs you've had lying around for 5 years that make decent album filler but they're not as good as the rest. I already knew I would like the CD because I had heard several cuts on the air and on the web. But I figured there had to be a weak link somewhere in 14 songs.

I can't remember the last time I really liked every song on an album since maybe "Sgt. Peppers" (and even then we all sort of just accepted Harrison's 'Within You, Without You"). But I gotta tell you, I was blow away. I really loved every song. Production values are excellent. Arrangement ideas are first-class. I love listening to songs that takes twists and turns that I don't expect, but yet work so well that they make your spirit rise. Neat arrangement for "All this Love" - DeBarge might ask why he didn't think of it.

Anyway, I'm sounding like a groupie and I don't mean to. I'm just a songwriter who really appreciates great songwriting and musicianship. Thanks again for a really exceptional album.

Guy

"That Mari is an incredibly accomplished musician goes without saying, but what continues to amaze me are her strengths as an MD. Mari's absolute confidence gives her a command of every band or orchestra of any size (which are almost exclusively male, I might add). She has always struck the perfect balance as leader of the band and support to me, for which I will always be grateful. And that Cantos guy ain't exactly chopped liver, but that's another conversation..."

Debbie Boon