Kaylé Brecher: vocals, percussion; Jimmy Parker: sousaphone; Stan Slotter: flugelhorn & trumpet; David Dzubinski: piano; Frank Butrey: electric and acoustic guitars; George Rabbai: trumpet; Tony DeSantis: trumpet; Fred Scott: trombone; Jarred Antonacci: bass trombone; George Barnett: french horn; Mike Jarosz: flugelhorn; Grant MacAvoy: drums; Erik Johnson; drums.
Kaylé Brecher (a.k.a. Kay-La Brecker) is a new name to me - in fact two new names - but, as Brecher, an interesting one, not only for her evocative vocal style but also as a composer, arranger and, on a couple of tracks, percussionist. A native New Yorker who, as a very young teen began singing the blues in Greenwich Village clubs, Brecher played and paid her dues supporting artists such as Maynard Ferguson, Freddie Hubbard, Mel Lewis, Lee Konitz, Red Rodney and many other 'names'.
Now based in Philadelphia, Kaylé has assembled some of that city's finest for a difficult to classify, but nevertheless enjoyable, album.
The line-up is along the lines of a contemporary New Orleans Marching Band with a Mingus, Ellington, Gil Evans feel to it and they handle the singer's arrangements effectively.
As well as her own compositions, there's an unusually laid back version of the old civil war song When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Yip Harburg's Crosby classic, Brother Can You Spare a Dime, Mingus' Noddin' Ya Head Blues and the Sinatra number, The House I Live In.
Although there are no reed instruments there are solo opportunities for guitar, trumpet and - a tower of strength throughout - sousaphonist Jimmy Parker.
As for the leader, her distinctive voice is the icing on a cake cooked from a very good recipe book.
Check it out.
Kaylé Brecher - Spirals and Lines; Penchant Four Records. Street date Oct. 30, 2012.
Lance.
Kaylé Brecher - Spirals and Lines; Penchant Four Records. Street date Oct. 30, 2012.
Lance.
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