MONTY ALEXANDER - HARLEM-KINGSTON EXPRESS VOL. 2: THE RIVER ROLLS ON
A really
great second chapter in the Harlem/Kingston series from Monty Alexander – and
material that may well be some of his most exciting in years! Monty's always
been very upfront about his Jamaican roots – and has expressed them in a number
of ways on a number of different sessions – but there's a quality to this
record that gets that blend better than most – and which almost returns things
to some of the more soul-based styles of Alexander's records from the late 60s
on Verve, or early 70s on MPS! Most numbers mix his piano with keyboards, bass,
guitar, and drums – in a style that's rhythmic, but never overdone – soulful,
but never too smooth – just a perfect fit for Monty's well-shaped lines on his
solos. A few cuts have vocals – and one number features guest work from George
Benson, Ramsey Lewis, and Joe Sample – but the bulk of the record centers on
Alexander's wonderfully grooving piano lines. Titles include
"Skamento", "The River Rolls On", "People Make The
World Go Round", "Slealky", "Trust", "The Harder
They Come", and "Linstead Market".~ Dusty Groove
CECILE VERNY QUARTET - FEAR & FAITH
A
wonderfully strong set from singer Cecile Verny – thanks to a backing combo
who's as proud and bold as her vocals! Often, a singer like this never gets the
sort of groove she deserves – sometimes lost amidst some fuller R&B
arrangements, or under-whelmed by trippier abstract sounds. But Cecile's in a
great groove right from the start – one that comes from a trio with some mighty
tight bass and drums – never funky, but forceful – at a level that kicks the
whole thing up from the bottom, and resonates strongly with the mix of acoustic
piano and keyboards. Cecile sings mostly in English, but does a bit of French
as well – and the record's a contemporary gem that could sit proudly next to
your best work from Gregory Porter or Gretchen Parlatto. Titles include
"The Wild Heart Of The Earth", "Lord Have Mercy",
"Humming", "Seule Toute Seule", "Time To Let You
Go", and "They Ask How I'm Feeling". ~ Dusty Groove
ALYSA HAAS - SPASM
Past and
present collide on jazz vocalist Alysa Haas’ new album Spasm, but the overall
result is beautifully timeless. Combining
Broadway standards and classics from the Great American Songbook with
contemporary pop music, Haas courageously steps beyond the predictable and
safe; her eclectic taste in covers reveals her stylistic and emotional range,
baring no weaknesses as she gracefully transitions from one genre to another. Ironically,
for all of its vintage flavors, Haas’ shiniest jewel is a modern one. Simply
put, her rendition of Rob Thomas’ “Ever the Same” is hauntingly pretty. The CHR
studio gloss of the original is melted off, allowing the fragile beauty of
Haas’ voice to capture the emotional ache of the lyrics. Haas’ yearning,
soaring vocals unveil the real feelings in the lyrics as the acoustic
arrangement complements and not overwhelms her. Haas’ cover of the Beatles’ “In
My Life” is similarly moving. The dulcet tones of the piano playing are the
perfect backdrop for Haas’ sweetly tuneful performance. Haas
interprets the jazz classics on the album with the same kind of respect and
independent vision. These are not paint-by-numbers remakes. Haas fuels each of
the tracks with her own vibrant personality. “Slap That Bass/Hit Me With a Hot
Note” is brimming with giddy sensuality, and Haas is obviously having a ball
with the double entendres in the words. With the
arrival of spring, Spasm has come to provide a sparkling soundtrack to the
seasonal sunshine. ~ alysahaas.com
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