Mike Holober (pno); Kate McGarry (voice); Marvin Stamm (tpt/flug); Dick Oatts (alt/sop/fl); Jason Rigby (ten/clt/bs clt); Mark Patterson (tmb); John Hebert (bs); Brian Blade (dms).
(Review by Lance).
A clever record - and I use the word as a compliment. It's clever and effective in the way voice and ensemble are merged. This is no chanteuse avec accompagner but a voice incorporated as a frontline instrument. It has been done many times over the years, probably beginning with Ellington and, closer to home, Norma Winstone. The tradition continues here without loss of momentum although maybe doesn't add advancement. If it ain't broke don't fix it! This certainly ain't broke!
The arrangements and the compositions are compelling with the soloists outstanding without stealing the show. This is very much a "One for all, all for one" album."
McGarry has that wistful Kate Bush feel to her voice without sounding anything like that other Kate."
Holober wrote both music and lyrics for the originals. He describes them as a mix of autobiography and fantasy - a book listing of things that make you sigh - an interesting conceit he owns up to.
Well the lyrics are ok and Kate does them justice, not hindered by the arrangements or the solo blasts from the horns.
I rarely find time to replay review discs. I think this will be an exception - the player in my Chevy* won't complain!
Lance.
Mike Holober - Balancing Act.is available from Nov. 13 0n Palmetto Records..
*My Chevrolet is a Spark 995cc, not exactly the Chevy that was driven to the levee!
No comments :
Post a Comment