The CD: Talk To The Hand

Cecil Ramirez is a smooth jazz pianist and composer from Sacramento, California, USA.  His CD Talk To The Hand is available on this website and on CD Baby; album and single downloads are available on iTunes (USA, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, UK/European Union, and Japan), on Amazon MP3 Download, Rhapsody and Broadjam.

Talk To The Hand is a smooth blend of danceable rhythms, emotional ballads, and smooth R&B grooves.  The long awaited CD reflects contemporary jazz, R&B, latin and Brazilian influences that features Cecil's playing, writing, and arranging skills.  The album features four of Cecil's original songs including "Sunflowers", the romantic ballad written for Cecil's wife, Karen, that ranked #1 on Broadjam's Contemporary Jazz charts for 4 consecutive months.  Also featured are all-new arrangements of the 1980's El DeBarge hit "Someone", the Roberta Flack classic "Feel Like Making Love", the sultry Spyro Gyra ballad "Autumn of Our Love", the slamming Everette Harp groove "Kisses Don't Lie", and the funky hit "Do You Really Love Me?" by Cecil's good friend and smooth jazz hero, Brian Culbertson.

Talk To The Hand was recorded in Sacramento, CA with location recordings in southern California and central Michigan.  The album was produced by Cecil and award winning northern California producer/engineer Ralph Stover.  Talk To The Hand showcases the talents of veteran guitarists Ramon Stagnaro (Yanni, Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli) and Bruce Kaldor.

Talk To The Hand is now available on CD Baby! Visit Cecil's artist page on CD Baby and order the album by clicking HERE.

Visit the Listening Room to hear song samples from Talk To The Hand.

Visit the Theater to see videos of Cecil in concert playing tracks from Talk To The Hand.

Visit the Gallery to see Cecil's latest photos.  !NEW!

What is Cecil doing now?

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Album Reviews

"Keyboardist Cecil Ramirez is a smooth jazz pianist located in California, this (Talk To The Hand) is an outstanding CD full of memorable tracks and great playing, very much in the vein of Brian Culbertson, so you should definitely check him out!"

- Peter Boehi, Founder, smoothvibes.com

"I never tire of discovering exciting new Smooth Jazz talent, and Sacramento pianist Cecil Ramirez definitely falls into that category. His debut release TALK TO THE HAND is outstanding and can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best keyboard projects from players who’ve become household names in this genre… including Brian Culbertson, Brian Simpson, Jeff Lorber and Gregg Karukas. TALK TO THE HAND should easily catapult Mr. Ramirez into the company of these prolific and talented keyboardists. This is truly Smooth Jazz… lyrical, emotional, with danceable grooves and the influences of contemporary jazz, R&B and Latin America. The production is impeccable, solidifying the album’s overall quality. I also sense, along with the artfully assembled set list, the first-rate performances, and all the other essential characteristics of a hit album, an over-riding positive vibe from the man and his music that offers a glimpse into Cecil’s integrity and passion. I highly recommend TALK TO THE HAND. It’s definitely chartbound!"

- Scott O'Brien, Director of Webcasting Services, SmoothJazz.com

"It’s hard to believe that Smooth Jazz pianist Cecil Ramirez’s self-produced album, “Talk To The Hand”, is his first ever solo release. This maiden effort has all the polish of a major artist/major label release— brilliant musicianship, artfully assembled songs, beautiful recording and mix, and tasteful packaging—a first class production all the way.

Ramirez, the pianist, has a fluid, floating, genre-defining style. He plays Smooth Jazz in the truest sense—relaxed and in the groove—yet with a level of sophistication that a jazz purist would admire. He shines on all of the album’s 11 tracks, but the standout is his original song, “Sutter Street.” With it’s infectious melody and stellar performances by Ramirez and guest guitarist, Bruce Kaldor, this one could easily find its way to the top of the Adult Contemporary charts.

Smooth Jazz has found an exciting new voice in Cecil Ramirez."

- Jan Glazier, Director of Artist Relations, PianoDisc

Getting Airplay

Internet radio stations are supporting Talk To The Hand! Thank you to all of the internet radio stations who have given airtime to tracks from Cecil's album .  You give independent artists a chance to be heard and a global listening audience new music to discover and the opportunity to choose and support their favorite albums.

Cecil's version of "Kisses Don't Lie" is on the playlist for the March 14th edition of "Early AM Attitude" on smooth905.com.  A huge "thank you" to Graham Johnson at smooth905.

"Autumn of Our Love" was featured in the inaugural program of "Soundtraxx with Mark Stanley" on Jazz Matrix Radio.  A huge "thank you" to Mark Stanley, Robin Pitigliano, and guitarist extraordinaire Chris Standring at Jazz Matrix.

"Falling Through Time", "Autumn of Our Love", "Sutter Street", and "Rio De Maio" have been added to the playlist at Cafe Jazz. A huge "thank you" to Ted Hasiuk, host of Cafe Jazz.  Check out his weekly show!

An Interview

Scott O'Brien of smoothjazz.com talked with Cecil about Talk To The Hand, his music background, and thoughts about the future of the smooth jazz format.  You can read the interview at smooothindiestar.com.

Buy the album!

a) **NEW**  Order a Talk To The Hand CD via CD Baby!

b) Order a Talk To The Hand CD via PayPal!

c) Download Talk To The Hand from iTunes --->   

d) Download Talk To The Hand from Rhapsody --->   

e) Download Talk To The Hand from Amazon MP3 Downloads

Happenings...

• In February 2009, Cecil performed in concert with his band at Sun City Roseville.  About 180 people came out to see Cecil on stage with Lance Taber on guitar and Ralph Stover on bass.  The concert was sponsored by the Sun City Roseville Keyboard Club.
  
  
• In January 2009, Cecil performed with smooth-jazz keyboard star Brian Culbertson at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, CA.  Brian and Cecil played on two Mason & Hamlin grand pianos, with Marqueal Jordan of the BC Funk Experience band on sax. Also checking out the gig was singer/songwriter/producer David Pack of Ambrosia.

• On October 5, 2008, Cecil performed live at the 2008 Oakville Sessions at Gargiulo Vineyards in Napa, CA.  During the all-day harvest celebration, Cecil played music from his CD Talk To The Hand.  Sitting in with the house band, Cecil jammed with Nashville songwriter/singers Billy Dean, Monty Powell, and Anna Wilson.  Also joining the singers on stage was Christy Lee Cook of American Idol Season 7.  In the spirit of jam sessions, Cecil joined the band on bass guitar to back up singer/songwriter/producer David Pack of Ambrosia on his hit song "You're the Only Woman".

• On September 20, 2008, Cecil performed with his band at PoBoyz Grill and Sports Pub in Folsom, CA.  Joining Cecil on stage were Lance Taber on guitar and Ralph Stover on bass.

• On May 1, 2008, Cecil performed live at the Talk To The Hand CD Release Party in Orangevale, CA.  Over 100 of Cecil's friends and fellow musicians joined him to celebrate the successful debut of his first album.  Joining Cecil onstage was well-known Sacramento jazz vocalist Diane Risk.

Quick facts about Cecil Ramirez

• Does studio work in Sacramento, CA, and appears on many jazz, contemporary Christian, and alternative artist projects

• Has recorded and performed with Tower of Power horns, Roger Smith, and Brian Culbertson

• Is the National Sales Manager for Mason & Hamlin Piano Company

• Is a recording artist for PianoDisc

Contact and Booking Information

• For booking, call Music Solutions at (916) 671-1662 or (866) 483-5167
  
  
• To send an e-letter to Cecil, click here or address your e-letter to "webmail@cecilramirez.com"

• Check out Cecil's page on MySpace and send a message by clicking on the button below: