* A collection of duet ballads featuring Pearson's pairings with Fred Hersch, Harvie Swartz, Lynne Arriale, Steve Davis, David Lahm and John Hart *

In the vocal jazz tradition, there are many voices but few who really have a deep impact. So when a singer offers something unique, it is unmistakable. You hear it right away. "You can't imagine how inundated a new label is by players and their projects," says Bob Karcy, CEO and founder of the Arkadia label. "But Mary stood out. It wasn't just her beautiful voice; there are many, many beautiful voices. But her voice is distinctive and instantly recognizable. You hear a few notes and say, 'That's Mary Pearson.'"

Pearson's singular approach to ballads is evident from the opening tune on You and I. From the first phrases of "Lazy Afternoon," Pearson's rich, creamy tone holds its own, even when moored only by Steve Davis' loose drums. Her commanding voice carries throughout the album with the kind of "luxuriant style and beauty of expression" JazzTimes critic Nancy Ann Lee to suggest "Pearson's name should become a household word." As WBGO's Michael Bourne, host of the popular Singers Unlimited series, writes in his liner notes, "the whole album feels as if its one continuous (and beautiful) ballad . . . a seamless tapestry of romance."

The singer's surety of tone and intimate style of delivery are the product of a lifetime of singing experience. "I've sung all my life," Pearson says. "But I knew I was a jazz singer about 25 years ago when I heard some great guy singing in a club in Chicago and I thought... yeah, that's what I do. My first jazz gig was at the Surfmaid on Bleecker Street, in the late seventies. My songwriting was becoming more prolific around that time and I formed my own jazz band. Then in 1984, I started to learn how to play piano and practiced furiously for several years. As a singer/piano player, I made my first quarter -- literally -- playing on the street the summer of '85. I got my first indoor gig in '86 and have done nothing but music since."

On You and I, Pearson's sound is marked by self-assurance: she'll suggest her intentions with the innuendo of a phrase before softening into her light vibrato on a sustained diminuendo. And unlike some singers, Pearson leaves enough space to showcase her partners' considerable skills. Fred Hersch's piano swings alongside Pearson's rhythmic vocals on "Take Five"; John Hart's light guitar strummings are the perfect complement to Pearson's softened tone on "What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?" When she pairs up with bassist Harvie Swartz for the Gershwin classic "How Long Has This Been Going On?," the vocalist is confident enough to leave behind the comfort of chords as she bends notes to match Swartz's twisting runs-without ever losing her hold on the melody.

According to Pearson, an array of singers from the pop and jazz worlds have combined to inspire her adaptable style: "Some of the loves of my life have been Sammy Davis, Jr., Barbara Streisand, and Johnny Mathis; Nina Simone, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor; and of course, Ella, Sarah, Billie, Dinah, and Carmen."

An exclusive long-term contract with Arkadia Records makes Pearson the first living vocalist signed to the independent label. But she will be in good company: Arkadia's associate label, Arkadia Chansons, includes the recordings of departed divas like Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, and Edith Piaf in its catalog. "It's staggering to think I'm being added to this catalog of legends," says Pearson.

Such humility only becomes a singer who employs the kind of sensibility that jazz critic Ira Gitler recognized as a "fine tone, presence, and delivery with a sound and style all her own." Pearson's great respect for the lyric is exceptional enough to make an old standard like "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" distinctive-Sam Arlen, the son of "Rainbow" composer Harold Arlen, called her rendition "a wonderful version of a wonderful song." Throughout You and I, Pearson imbues the best of our popular songs with a range of emotional colors, taking them to new heights of expression.

Mary Pearson has performed at numerous jazz venues including Fat Tuesday's restaurant, Gramercy Park Hotel, The Garage, Metronome, and a long run at Cleopatra's Needle. As a big band singer, she was presented in concert with Diva: No Man's Band at St. Peter's Jazz Ministry in March '98, a show which included four generations of jazz women. Pearson was the featured vocalist with George Gee and his Make Believe Ballroom Orchestra at Swing46 throughout January '99. Ms. Pearson's first recording, "Thirteen", an album of her own tunes, features Art Labriola, Bruce Ditmas, and Claire Daly. Mary is known for her thematic programs she performs in more than 200 shows yearly for seniors in centers and nursing facilities. Pearson studied piano with Barry Harris, Mario Serio, and Labriola.

A full-service label started in 1997 by Bob Karcy, Arkadia Jazz has earned four Grammy nominations (the most of any independent label in the jazz category) and wide acclaim as 'The Artists' Choice.' "Arkadia is a new jazz label whose recordings to date have been meticulous, high-quality productions with focus and purpose." - Thomas Conrad, Stereophile. The label has released CDs by Billy Taylor, David Liebman, Joanne Brackeen, Benny Golson, Nova Bossa Nova, Pe De Boi, Moscow Sax Quintet, Kenny Drew, Jr., and David Lahm, among others. In June 1999, Arkadia acquired the esteemed Postcards label.

Arkadia Jazz is a label of Arkadia Entertainment, a natural extension of V.I.E.W. Video, founded by Karcy 16 years ago. V.I.E.W. is widely acknowledged to be the premiere home video producer and label in jazz, performing arts (opera, dance and classical music) and special interest (documentary, parenting, sports, health & fitness) with a catalog in excess of 200 titles that have been honored with over 100 prestigious international awards.