Ellen Edwards (vocals); Randy Brecker
(trumpet track 2); Robbie Kondor (piano); Will Lee (bass); Jeff Mironov
(guitar); Gene Lake (drums); Richie Morales (percussion); Jason Miles (B3,
vibes, synthesizers).
(Review by Ann
Alex)
I played this EP
with some trepidation as the 5 tracks are all original songs, so there is the
problem of not being familiar with the material which means that it is
difficult to judge fairly after one play through. I read all the lyrics in the
insert and they seemed sort of ok, but once I heard those lyrics sung,
accompanied by, I quote, 'top New York studio and jazz musicians' I was hooked,
the songs came alive.
1/ Over There: A love song to a samba beat, influenced by
both pop and jazz, it fairly bounces along.
2/ Let The Fire
Grow: A jazz waltz with lyrics about
living life to the full, spirited vocals with comments from the trumpet, then a
trumpet solo to a fade out ending, which suggests to me that the singer will
continue her full life.
3/Love Is On My
Side: The title explains the song
theme, and the B3 adds to the gospel feel, especially when it duets with the
piano. Ms Edwards sings with feeling, ending with many repetitions of the
lyrics 'love is on my side'.
4/ Blue And
Green: This concerns loss and hope, a
hymn-like melody sung with feeling, accompanied by piano only, with a bit of
bass.
5/ The Queen's
Bridge: The lyrics are a little puzzling but the
general theme is about making your own decisions, which is expressed musically
by an infectious groove.
Sultry-voiced Ms
Edwards is the composer of these 5 songs. Based in Atlanta, Georgia where she
performs regularly and where she recorded her first three albums. She hails
from Upstate New York and has sung and played professionally for over 20 years,
although she had time out to raise a family. Yes, another woman
singer/songwriter who is well worth listening to.
The EP will be
available from February 22 on the Stonefire Music Company label. See www.ellenedwardsmusic.com
Ann Alex
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