Masha Campagne (vocals); Guinga (acoustic guitar,
spoken word); Hendrik Meurkens (vibes, harmonica); Weber Iago (piano, fender rhodes ); Harvey Wainapel (bass clarinet, alto sax); Jeff Buenz (electric guitar, nylon string guitar); Dan
Robbins acoustic and electric bass); Jason Lewis (drums); Michael Spiro (percussion);
Guello (percussion).
(Review by Ann Alex).
I have a confession. I was tempted to review this CD without
listening to it! I could maybe have got
away with such a trick, because there are copious notes enclosed, including all
the song lyrics, descriptions of how each song is performed in jazz-like
language, and seven photos of the singer, one of poster size. The only item missing was a photo of the
instrumentalists, which I’d have liked.
I'm so glad I
did listen to it, as it’s a happy, flowing collection of Latin-influenced jazz,
sung well, with every word crystal clear, both in English and
Spanish/Portuguese songs. Not bad for a
singer who was born in
So readers will
understand if I quote from the notes. It Could Happen To You starts us off
with ‘infectiously groovy’ piano hooks and the singer’s tasteful phrasing and
vocalise which is never overdone. Jobim’s Outra
Vez gives us the bossa nova and solos from guitar and harmonica (yes, I did
say harmonica), a small instrument with a big contribution to make. There are four original numbers, including
Campagne’s Broke But Rich, and this
woman is no mean lyricist, for example:
Bake your bread, make your tea
Without a crave, without care
Be broke but rich at heart and free
Se E Tarde Me Perdoa has
‘lively syncopations from percussionist Michael Spiro matching Campagne’s
effortless sense of timing’ and ‘solid altoism’ from the sax. I was intrigued by the song Mystery Unwrapped as it could be about a
one night stand, or a visit from a guardian angel. Meukens ‘swaps comb for mallets’, which adds
a fluid touch to the vibes. My Heart Was Lost And Found For You is
sung ‘with a smile in her voice’.
It seems to me
that Latin jazz has a different quality from the more usual standards, which
shows on this CD. It’s jazz in the
sunshine, even when it’s a sad song, and it is more likely to refer to birds,
nature, and the sea. Enjoy!
The CD was
released recently on the Impetus Records Inc label.
Ann Alex
1 comment :
Dear Ann, thank you for your amazing review! I'm happy you ventured into listening to my CD and made deep observations about lyrics and overall wistfully but happy quality of it! That was, indeed, my intention as an artist! All the best!
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