This Cuban-American. who was raised in Florida, released his self-titled Pop debut in 1992. Jon Secada is now amongst the
Latin performers who have sold over 20 million records worldwide. He has also written and produced for such artists as Gloria
Estefan, Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez.
After high school jon went on to received a Master's Degree in Jazz
Vocal Performance from the University of Miami and became musically inspired by legendary male vocalists like Tony Bennett,
Frank Sinatra and Joe Williams.
Secada's newest project "Expressions: The Jazz Album" is on The
Orchard imprint. "Expressions" brings his Pop experiences together with his Jazz roots for a memorable musical ride.
""I love music period," Jon points out. "(I studied) more than Jazz...I was into all kinds of stuff.
I loved the fusing. I was raised up on ...Sly and the Family Stone...it was part of the educational process."
Secada, who sang background vocals for Gloria Estefan and co-wrote "Coming Out of the Dark" and "Into the
Light" with her, said when the opportunity came to sing English speaking Pop music he took advantage of it. Today he
is a multi-platinum selling international recording artist and songwriter, and now he is executively producing his own project,
as well as, co-producing along with a list of other talented people.
"We went - kind a - back to school...grass
roots," Jon said about the new CD project. "When I went to college...it was very acoustic...not a lot of instruments."
Secada said that Jazz music back then also had a bluesy Joe Williams type feel to it and harmony, "thats what I wanted"
he said. I believe that is what he got with the "Expressions: The Jazz Album."
My favorite selections
on the "Expressions" CD, which was recorded at the famous Hit Factory in Miami, includes "Body and Soul"
which has outstanding horn support by Ed Calle, piano support by Mike Levine and the symbols from the drums are perfect courtesy
of Lee Levin; "Alone Again (Naturally)" a cover song that has only the piano and Jon's awesome voice; "Rainbows"
written by Jon Secada and carries the essence of the days of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra; "Letter from a Friend"
is something you can dance to and it has a great story line; "Find Me in Your Dreams" a lovely love song written
by Jon and features Dave Koz on Sax, and "Chances Are" another cover song beautifully done by Secada with Jason
Carder on Trumpet.
Jon Secada goes back to his roots with his new 'Expressions' Jazz CD project 
With a sound reminiscent of Chante Moore and a look - to me - reminiscent of Ciara, Bahamian born singer/song writer Alia
makes her much anticipated debut CD release with "Unfadeable" on Galleria Entertainment/Eyecon Music/Fontana/University
Music Group. The nine song Urban R&B/Pop collection is an impressive project.
