16 April 2008
Felicia Carter
Feather / Step Lightly
2007, Alberta Records
This double-CD showcases two sides of singer/songwriter Felicia Carter, a fascinating vocalist with a flirtatious, bent-note delivery that sounds a little like Jolie Holland, perhaps with some Maria Muldaur and a dash of Billie Holiday mixed in. Or maybe even a bit of Blossom Dearie. Disc One, Feather, is a set of sparkling original tunes alternating between old-timey barrelhouse romps and haunting ballads. Carter’s smart lyrics and curious melodies are simply captivating, particularly in the disc’s dynamite first half, with beautiful (or bawdy) support from her “core ensemble” of pianist Bob Butta, drummer Frank Russo, bassist/string player Amy Shook and guitarist Donato Soviero.
The second disc, Step Lightly, is a collection of standards and other straightahead jazz fare. While Carter’s vocals continue to mesmerize, this material doesn’t carry the same spark as the less-predictable Feather. But several original blues numbers combine winking sass and easygoing grooves in an irresistible way. Together, these two discs leave no doubt that Felicia Carter is a special talent, well worth seeking out.
12 April 2008
Jane Ira Bloom
Mental Weather
2008, Outline
The graceful arcs and slippery themes that comprise this nine-part suite carry a suggestion of movement in their lines, a sense of kinetic play that beckons for a choreographer. Bloom’s beautiful, crystal-clear soprano saxophone flutters nimbly through shifting rhythms and lyrical meditations, spiked occasionally with live electronics for a surreal accent. Bassist Mark Helias and pianist Dawn Clement give the suite’s brightly-drawn structures weight and dimension, which drummer Matt Wilson tosses and rolls like a juggler. Intriguingly, Bloom also provides an alternative configuration of the suite’s sections, stashed away in an MP3 file on the disc. This twist allows for a continuous, concert-like approach to the music. But whether heard as nine pieces or only one, Mental Weather is enchanting.
10 April 2008
Eric McPherson
Continuum
2007, Smalls
Long associated with creative icons such as Jackie McLean and Andrew Hill, drummer Eric McPherson proves to be an innovator in his own right with this arresting debut, conceived as a tribute to the previous generation of jazz masters. McPherson often seems to be working through several ideas at once on his kit, spraying percussion left and right over six thoughtfully angular tunes. The mood is exotic in the avant-leaning “3rio Suite,” spiritually grounded in “Black Pearl” — a spoken-word piece honoring to McPherson’s mother — and moodily intense in the two-bass workout “De Javu Monk.” The set goes by almost too quickly, clocking in at a brief 40 minutes. But it’s a treat the whole way.
Get it | Artist's website | Label's website
09 April 2008
Lionel Loueke
Karibu
2008, Blue Note
Like a jumble of pretty trinkets found in a box, this session from guitarist Lionel Loueke has an unstructured, highly impressionistic feel, full of glittering flashes and mysterious depths. Loueke’s trio, with bassist Massimo Biolcati and drummer Ferenc Nemeth, combines friendly elements of Loueke’s African background with laid-back noodling, lopsided rhythms and Loueke’s own quiet falsetto vocal accompaniment for a unique sound that’s appealing yet enigmatic. But when guest stars Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter show up, the music reaches another level. Building vast dreamscapes through Hancock’s lyrical piano abstractions and Shorter’s spiky scribbling on soprano saxophone, Loueke’s bright, singing guitar lines seem to drift down from some higher, more elusive plane of existence.
Get it | Artist's website | Label's website
15 March 2008
Deborah Weisz Trio
TRIO
2007, Va Wah
From the December 2007 issue of JazzTimes…
A quiet get-together between old friends, this warm, gentle disc is appealing and unpretentious. Trombonist Weisz avoids unnecessary flash and bravado, playing bop and romantic standards with intimate nonchalance. Her husky tone and relaxed pacing give the session a conversational air, as she exchanges confidences with two perfectly attuned companions. Guitarist Sheryl Bailey’s bright yet mellow lines and the serene swing of bassist Nicki Parrott suspend time and troubles, sketching sweet rhythms that are comfortable but never trite.
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