CD Review: Lizzie Thomas – New Sounds From The Jazz Age

(Review by Ann Alex)

Ms Thomas studied classical piano and clarinet as a child, then went on to do a degree in vocal performance, and to study Music Education at Belmont University, Nashville. She honed her craft under the influence of Sandra Dudley before moving to New York City where she has performed at clubs, restaurants, and private parties as well as holding down a residency in Soho, New York City for 9 years. This is her fourth album.

And this album certainly does what it says on the tin. New lively interpretations of 9 jazz standards.

Fascinating Rhythm, an appropriate song to introduce the concept of jazz, starts with a swirl from piano, the rarely-sung verse, then a fast chorus, changing to sultry chords associated with strip joints (I’m told)! Our Love Is Here To Stay has the verse sung with guitar accompaniment, a steady percussion beat and a half chorus solo from firstly piano, then rippling flute. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To is introduced by the Sinatra lyrics about it being ' So so nice to wander back'.

 In the Still of the Night gives us a Latin beat and hand drumming; One Note Samba is very fast, just about fitting in all the words and a bell sound from percussion. Cheek To Cheek references vocally I'm Beginning To See The Light, and The Very Thought Of You begins with Ms Thomas singing the last few bars and is done with an Afro-Caribbean beat. This singer takes risks that other singers wouldn't dare try and she brings it off, helped of course by skilled musicians, notably on piano, flute and clarinet, but they all play their part well. 

The CD is available from www.lizziethomas.net   

Ann Alex

Lizzie Thomas (vocals); John Colianni (piano); Jay Leonhart (bass 2,3,4,6); Boots Maleson (bass 1,5,7,8,9); Russell Malone (guitar 2,3,4); Matt Chertkoff (guitar 1,5.6.7.8.9); Omar Daniels (tenor sax, flute); Felix Peikli (clarinet 1,8); Bernard Linette (drums); Doug Hendrichs (percussion).

1/ Fascinating Rhythm 2/ Our Love Is Here To Stay 3/ I Didn't Know About You 4/ You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 5/ In The Still Of  The Night 6/ One Note Samba 7/ Cheek To Cheek 8/ Close Your Eyes 9/ The Very Thought Of You.