(Review by David Brownlow)
A live recording from 2008 by the New York Voices, a Grammy Award winning vocal group celebrating its
25th anniversary, accompanied by the world–class WDR Big Band Cologne led by
arranger/conductor Michael Abene. The singers – Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinhan, Darmon Meader and Peter Eldridge – have
been influenced by some of the great jazz vocal groups such as Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Manhattan
Transfer, the Hi-Los and Singers
Unlimited although they have their own individual style.An entertaining album that captures the energy and excitement of a live event through a wide range of material ranging from hard-swinging big-band romps; e.g. Love Me or Leave Me, touching ballads such as I Do It For Your Love and contemporary pop songs including Annie Lennox’s Cold. The Voices have perfected the art of jazz group singing – at times, the four voices interweave seamlessly and at others the vocal blend is exquisite. The improvised scat solos are confident and apt, reminding one of Mel Torme, Jon Hendricks or Ella at their peaks.
Mike Abene’s fresh, innovative arrangements show off the WDR Band at
its best with challenging parts for all sections. An interesting variation is
when The Voices become another section integrated within the Band ; i.e. brass,
reeds, rhythm and voices. Also, at other times, The Voices “comp” for colleagues
and instrumental solos from within the band.
The disc is full of good jazz virtues – swing, excitement, wit,
surprise, musicality, touching moments and, needless to say, the highest of standards all round –
including the sound engineers who captured the balance of voices and
instruments perfectly.
Thoroughly recommended - a “5 Star” CD or Download is now available
from Palmetto Records.
Dave Brownlow.
1 comment :
Best vocal group disc I've heard for many a year - rubber stamp your review!
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