(Review by
Debra M)
This album from LA based jazz guitarist &
singer Diane Hubka is an assembly of top
notch west coast guitarists in a variety of combinations, plus special guest
soul/jazz veteran Bobby Pierce on Hammond B-3. The choice of material is
eclectic, with some subtly
delivered ballads including ‘Never
Let Me Go’ and Mancini &
Gimbels’ ‘Slow Hot Wind’.
The CD kicks offs nicely with an assured vocal and swinging organ trio in ‘ West Coast Blues’, followed by a refreshing take on Van Morrison’s oft overplayed ‘Moondance’ , a duet with guitarist Mimi Fox, whose rhythmic chords and melodic runs provide ideal support for Hubka’s up beat vocal. Fox is also outstanding in Billy Strayhorn’s ‘A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing’, where Hubka’s poised delivery of the lyric is reminiscent of Norma Winstone.
Several of the tracks combine guitarists, including new tunes ‘Warming to Spring’ and ‘Amanhacer’, the latter co-written by John Pisano, who can be heard enthusiastically vocalising his solos in this track and in ‘They Say It’s Spring’. The selective use of bass and drums as well as guitarists provides a range of musical textures and, ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ is the track that grooves the most, featuring Pierce on Hammond B-3 and Anthony Wilson on guitar, who combine with the rhythm section to provide a great backdrop for that most witty Gershwin lyric (please add to the top lyrics list, Lance!). Topped off with cracking solos, it’s clear these guys had a ball playing this one. In fact, the feel good West Coast vibe infuses the album, which is an unexpected pleasure.
The CD kicks offs nicely with an assured vocal and swinging organ trio in ‘ West Coast Blues’, followed by a refreshing take on Van Morrison’s oft overplayed ‘Moondance’ , a duet with guitarist Mimi Fox, whose rhythmic chords and melodic runs provide ideal support for Hubka’s up beat vocal. Fox is also outstanding in Billy Strayhorn’s ‘A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing’, where Hubka’s poised delivery of the lyric is reminiscent of Norma Winstone.
Several of the tracks combine guitarists, including new tunes ‘Warming to Spring’ and ‘Amanhacer’, the latter co-written by John Pisano, who can be heard enthusiastically vocalising his solos in this track and in ‘They Say It’s Spring’. The selective use of bass and drums as well as guitarists provides a range of musical textures and, ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ is the track that grooves the most, featuring Pierce on Hammond B-3 and Anthony Wilson on guitar, who combine with the rhythm section to provide a great backdrop for that most witty Gershwin lyric (please add to the top lyrics list, Lance!). Topped off with cracking solos, it’s clear these guys had a ball playing this one. In fact, the feel good West Coast vibe infuses the album, which is an unexpected pleasure.
Diane Hubka - West Coast Strings is currently available on SS-J Records.
Debra M.
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