Peggy Duquesnel - Lovely Skies (Piano Orchestrations) (2017)

This contemporary instrumental album Lovely Skies Piano Orchestrations features pianist / composer Peggy Duquesnel and Friends including musicians Jeff Lorber, Ric Braun, Jimmy Haslip, Greg Vail, Tony Guerrero, Grant Geissman plus fifteen other musician friends and colleagues of Peggy. The album includes sixteen enjoyable tracks of easy listening, smooth jazz music with twelve originals and four cover songs. There are also instrumental versions of several vocal songs from Peggy's various recording projects. Produced by: Peggy Duquesnel; Mastered by: Andre Mayeux; Piano: Peggy Duquesnel (all songs except Tr 12) Steve Hall (Tr 7 & 12), Steve Donovan (Tr 12); Trumpet / Flugel Horn: Ric Braun, Tony Guerrero; Sax / Flute: Greg Vail; Keyboards / Organ: Jeff Lorber , Andre Mayeux , Edo Guidotti, Peggy Duquesnel; Guitar: David Patt , Michael Higgins, Michael Thompson, Grant Geissman; Bass: Jimmy Haslip, Ernie Nunez, Gordon Rustvold, Dave Stone; Drums / Percussion: Jimmy Branley, Gary Novak, Dave Owens, Tony Moore, Suzanne Morissette, Sinclair Lott

This project is a thoroughly enjoyable offering, and if I wore a hat, I'd certainly be taking it off to Peggy and friends. High marks for arrangements and production as well. --Michele Wilson-Morros, The Entertainment Bank

With mad skills and a great attitude, Duquesnel is a stock whose arrow is pointing straight up. --Brent Black, Critical Jazz

The cover of the 1971 Carpenters melodically sweet tune Rainy Days and Mondays shows off Duquesnel s piano skills handsomely. The magnetism of the subtle and well-arranged Bird on a Leash is appealing and classy with Lorber on keys and Braun s trumpet complementing the piano of Duquesnel. --Ronald Jackson, Smooth Jazz Ride