Downtown Crossing Association says: (Jazz in July concert series) "Marlene and her band were great! They had the audience riveted with their upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies. Marlene shows so much passion in both her vocals and keyboard performances, that it is difficult not to get caught up in the magic!" -Pardis Saffari Singer-songwriter Marlene debuts with her album, "Crying Days", on Blue Earth Music. Marlene, also on keys, is backed by a rocking rhythm section in this fully produced 11-tune album. "Crying Days", a collection of pop/jazz and pop/r&b funked-up tunes, 9 of which are original, features soulful melodies in rich layers of harmony. This is intelligent pop with a really tight groove. Marlene has performed for various audiences in the U.S. and abroad including the Philippines' ex-Presidents Fidel Ramos and Cory Aquino and Princess Chulabhorn of Thailand. Marlene is backed up by rocking band members who have performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States with Aretha Franklin, George Carlin, Ron Levy and George Garzone, among others. Prior to moving to Boston, Marlene enjoyed a dual life as a telecommunications executive while moonlighting as a jazz musician. Her tunes, including a pop chart hit, have been recorded by some of the top artists in Manila. Marlene has garnered several awards in songwriting and has represented her country in the 1992 Asian "Song for Children" songwriting competition (Toyama, Japan). Asked about the solid corporate career she left behind, Marlene quips, "You've only got one life to live, are you where you want to be?" And as it turns out, this line has been woven into the first song she penned in the US, an album cut entitled, "Bus To Boston". Marlene was featured by Cosmopolitan Magazine (Phils.) and was cover story for Life and Times (Phils.) for her musical achievements. Marlene can also be seen and heard around Boston with her other ensemble, The Marlene Jazz Trio. ***************** Credits: Marlene - vocals, piano, keyboards, backing vocals Patrick Mottaz- guitars Dmitry Ishenko-bass guitar, electric upright bass, backing vocals Joe Goretti- drums Keiichi Hashimoto - piccolo trumpet, trumpet Pete Barr- drums, percussions Liz Ehrman- cello Melissa M. Bull- violin Marianne Solivan- backing vocals Graphic art by Jeffrey Hunter Photos by Kimbaleh and Pamela Ruby Russell Engineered by Cameron Wiley Produced by Marlene