“Cottonwood Tree” takes listeners on a journey back to April Webb’s Kansas roots. She crafted the song while spending time with her parents in Newton, seated in the backyard under the sprawling cottonwood tree from her childhood. It quickly became one of her hallmark pieces and played a significant role in her win at the Sarah Vaughan International Competition. Even when producers hesitated about her decision to close with an original composition, Webb believed in her song and personal narrative.
Sounds of April & Randall is an acclaimed jazz group led by vocalist April May Webb, winner of the 2024 Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition, and trumpeter Randall Haywood, recognized as “Male Rising Star” by Hot House & Jazzmobile NYC. Their musical partnership began at a New Jersey jam session, blending jazz with influences from Country, R&B, and Gospel. April May honed her craft under Mulgrew Miller at William Paterson University, while Randall completed his Master’s at Juilliard. In 2023, the duo represented the United States as Cultural Ambassadors, touring Fiji and Tonga on behalf of the State Department. They also received support from Chamber Music America and South Arts. Their music has received widespread praise—“Horizon” climbed to #17 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts, while Questions Left Unanswered reached #12 on the National Jazz Week charts. In 2025, their song “Everybody Ain’t Gonna Like You” earned Gold in the Annual Songwriters Association Competition of Washington. Randall, a former prodigy, became the youngest member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra at 15, and April May made history as the first Black woman to graduate from William Paterson’s Jazz Education program. Together, they compose music with meaning and depth.
“Cottonwood Tree” will appear on the upcoming album, “Dishes Ain’t Clean,” releasing later this summer. April and Randall are currently performing across the northeast USA and beyond. Check their schedule here: https://soundsofaandr.com/shows
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Media: The OURGIG Agency
