(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.
1 comment :
Thank You Ann! I appreciate the listen and your kind review! Yes, I'm a risk taker when it comes to singing Jazz. But I think there has to be an element of risk when playing Jazz- That's what makes it so exciting!!
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