Pepa Niebla
(vocals, compositions); Toni Mora (guitar, compositions); Maxime Moyaerts (
piano); Alex Gilson (double bass); Daniel Jonkers (drums)
An enjoyable CD that 'reflects a New York
contemporary jazz influence' (I quote from the notes) which I wish I had the
technical know-how to explain better. It sounds like someone walking along a
street in NYC, an apparently simple tune on voice, guitar and piano, with
unobtrusive backing from the rest, lots of singing with the main melody notes
accompanied, and a definite forward thrust to the sound, much repetition of
phrases, and a generally very rich, satisfying feel.
That feel is pleasantly consistent throughout,
although there were tracks that stood out for me, such as God Bless The
Child, which has Ms Niebla cleverly singing over chords only, which gives
the listener space to really consider the meaning of the words. Chains,
is wholly typical of the New York style. Words If You Allow, is a moving
song about leaving behind a love affair without bitterness.
I was not so impressed with All About Dance, which is said to be
about climate change, but the lyrics were rather vague for such a vitally
important subject ('rivers hitting bridges linking life connections') although
the long solos from piano and guitar somewhat redeemed the track.
Pepa Niebla studied jazz at the Royal
Conservatory of Brussels and has performed at clubs and festivals around Europe,
including the International Jazz Festival of Granada and at BBC Maida Vale
Studios. This latest release, follows on from an earlier album in 2010 and her Billie Holiday
tribute, Lady Sings The Blues, in 2013. Seven of the tracks are
originals and Green is an instrumental which gives the band free reign,
wordless singing from the voice and a guitar solo to steady bass and swishing
cymbals and drums.
Ann
Alex
Chains; Otro Tiempo; God Bless
The Child; Ode To A Family; Renaissance; Lilya; Green; Our Love Is Here To
Stay; Words If You Allow; All About Dance
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