CD Review: The Lalama Brothers - The Crepuscule Variations

Ralph Lalama (ten); Dave Lalama (pno) + Nicole Pasternak - Lalama (vcl).

We don't get too many really intimate jazz collaborations between family members - The Dorsey brothers were hardly a good example. The Brecker Brothers were closer but this, sub-titled, The songs Our Parents Gave Us, may possibly be the only trio set I've hit on that features two siblings and a third family member, Nicola.

Ralph blows good middle of the road tenor - slightly on the "tough side" which isn't a bad place to be in an age where it DOES (to some folk) mean a thing if it ain't got that swing! This album certainly has that vital ingredient despite the lack of bass and drums. Dave is the perfect 'comp man feeding the chords to bro as Ellis Larkins once did to Ruby Braff or, even earlier, Earl Hines to Louis.

I'm not quite sure how Nicola fits into the family tree but she slots in well on the musical side. Winsome, yet compelling vocals that tell a story without over dramatising the lyric.

And what lyrics!

Time After Time; Moon River; Shadow of Your Smile; I Love You For Sentimental Reasons;  I Don't Know Why; Embraceable You (sung initially in French - is it just me but do familiar lyrics sung in French suddenly become alive and fresh or even new because of the alto-lingo?) - every one a top draw ace dealt perfectly by Nicola.

The brothers also feature on the above as well as on classy instrumentals - viz: Just in Time; Days of Wine and roses; All of Me; I'm Confessin'; There Will Never be Another You; Here's that Rainy Day.

Jazz Café - you're looking for duos? Here's your answer. all you've got to do is ship them over from Manhattan Island.

Available now on Amazon and the usual suspects.

Lance.