South Florida Singer Releases First All-Spanish Album by a Non-Hispanic Female Artist in over 20 Years

January 9, 2012 - Miami, Florida – Sylvia Bennett, a South Florida resident and Grammy-nominated vocalist, has released Sonríe, the first all-Spanish language music album since Eydie Gormé recorded Eso Es El Amor in 1992. The new album, which debuted at #1 spot on the CMJ Top Jazz Adds Chart, fulfills Ms. Bennett’s long-time dream of recording an all-Spanish CD. She joined with long-time producer Hal S. Batt to create an album filled with classic Spanish favorites, along with two new original songs. The new CD was released on the Out of Sight Music label. Smooth jazz and pop vocalist Sylvia Bennett received critical acclaim for her CDs Smile, Songs from the Heart, and There Will Never Be Another You. Bennett performed with the late legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton for 10 years and was nominated for a Grammy for their big band album, Sentimental Journey. Producer Hal S. Batt is a two-time ASCAP winning songwriter and a Dove Award-winning producer. He is well versed in the Latin market, having worked with Julio Iglesias, Chayanne, Paulina Rubio, Patricia Manterola, Donato & Estefano, and Miguel Angel Guerra. Sonríe is a follow-up CD to her 2010 release Smile, on which Bennett tested the waters when she recorded one song in Spanish. It was so well received by her fans that it motivated her to create a collection of timeless romantic ballads that include classics such as “Bésame Mucho,” “Somos Novios,” “El Reloj” and “Sabor a Mi.” Two original songs are included. Por Tí, written by Sylvia Bennett, Hal S. Batt and Jorge Luis Chacin, is particularly meaningful to Bennett as she was inspired to write it as a love song to her husband. The other original tune is Tanto Vivir, with music by Hal S. Batt and lyrics by Jose Manuel Lopez Moles. Javier Garcia Escamez, from NoSoloJazz.com in Spain, states, “Throughout this new and special musical project, we have the opportunity to hear the silky, strong and bright voice of Sylvia Bennett in perfect Spanish, a feature that certainly stands out in an Anglo-Saxon vocalist.” Geannine Reid from Jazz Times writes, “Spanish is becoming such a vital part of the fabric of the American culture. Bennett truly offers a release that melds two cultures together with the authenticity of Spanish rhythms and language, coupled with the traditions of timeless jazz classics. This is truly a lasting statement that creates a beautiful tribute to both cultures. Gran trabajo Sylvia Bennett!” Sonríe is available online on iTunes, Amazon.com and CDBaby.com, as well as Bennett’s own website at www.SylviaBennett.com. Email contact: Janet@SylviaBennett.com.