Acclaimed Vocalist David Edelfelt Releases New CD 'better'

Released in October 2017, "better" is the long-awaited new recording from acclaimed vocalist David Edelfelt. This stunning new collection brings jazz, pop and classical elements to standards, show tunes and inspirational songs made all the more stunning by David's powerful, rich vocals from a voice the Chicago Tribune calls "a luxuriant instrument."

David Edelfelt celebrates the release of his new CD better, with 3 special performances at Davenport's; 1383 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Saturday, October 21 (7pm), Saturday, October 28 (8pm) and Friday, November 3 (8pm). David will be accompanied by Chicago favorite Beckie Menzie on piano. There is a $22 cover charge and two-drink minimum. Due to high demand, reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 773-278-1830 or online at www.DavenportsPianoBar.com

Showcasing an impressive variety of styles and emotions, Mr. Edelfelt has crafted a very personal yet universally appealing collection of songs about being better, about things that make or motivate us to be better and do better - in our selves, our relationships and our world - with the intent that this album will bring the listener thoughts of inspiration, challenge, clarity and peace. A 12-page booklet of every lyric which accompanies the CD is in itself a master class in being better.

David's intent is more than fulfilled in this album that features such inspirational songs as At The Same Time by Chicago's Ann Hampton Callaway, Better Than I by John Bucchino, and the anthemic You Raise Me Up; songs that are needed and welcome in these tumultuous times. He shows us real jazz sensibilities in It Isn't So Good It Couldn't Get better, his own composition I Wanna Be Better, a haunting yet sultry remake of the Nat King Cole classic Nature Boy, then offers up soft and tender with James Taylor's Secret O' Life and the well-known Smile by Charlie Chaplin, breathing new depths of understanding into the songs. His full-throated baritone illumines Broadway classics Being Alive and I Am Changing and makes them his own. With this album, Edelfelt not only achieves his goal of being better, but we the listeners are as well.

With a voice that New York's Cabaret Scenes Magazine has compared to "hot caramel," the multi-talented David Edelfelt has sung roles from Mozart 's Figaro to Kander & Ebb's Emcee in Cabaret across the country and abroad. Recently he has graced some of the most prestigious stages in and around Chicago, including The Park West, Drury Lane Water Tower Place, Preston Bradley Hall at the Cultural Center, the Skokie Theatre, Victory Gardens and Maxim's and has written and performed several cabaret shows that have been called "superlative from start to finish, hilarious, deliciously engaging and simply brilliant."

Early in his singing career, David realized his passion for teaching. Gradually teaching and conducting overshadowed his singing, and he unofficially "retired" from singing for many years. He went on to become a much sought-after master voice teacher and vocal coach, as well as arranger and accompanist. His private voice studio on the city's north side is currently comprised of some of Chicago's busiest and most successful musical theater, cabaret and classical singers. His students have received numerous honors and awards and appear on stages across the world, including every major theater and club venue in Chicago, The Ravinia Festival, Broadway and Carnegie Hall in NYC, the cabarets of Paris and the opera stages of Europe.

Along the way, pursuing a call to music ministry, he also became a talented and well-loved choral conductor. As conductor, Maestro Edelfelt has led choirs and orchestras in many of the great works of the masters, and currently serves as conductor of the Chancel and Motet choirs at the First Presbyterian Church of Libertyville.

With some of the nation's top musicians joining David for this recording, (Beckie Menzie, piano, Andy Brown, guitar, Jim Gailloreto on woodwinds, Jim Cox, bass, Phil Gratteau, drums), better is an experience not to miss. Along with his debut CD Love is Born at Christmas, better is available online at iTunes, amazon.com, cdbaby.com, DavidEdelfelt.com, and all digital and streaming outlets.

better track listing

1. it isn't so good it couldn't get better
2. nature boy
3. being alive
4. i am changing
5. rain, sun and snow
6. temporary/everything must change
7. smile
8. i wanna be better
9. at the same time
10. secret o' life
11. still learning
12. you raise me up
13. better than i

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