Born and raised in Biarritz (described in the blurb as "a lovely seaside resort in southwestern France" which makes it sound like Blackpool to those of us who aren't jet setters) Pacowski eventually made it to Los Angeles where she soon became established as both a singer and pianist on the local jazz scene.
For this, her debut album, it is her amazing vocalising that is featured. To describe the wordless flights of improvisation as mere scatting would be a grave disservice - any horn player would love to have them transcribed for their instrument to the extent that they would probably be projected into the DownBeat polls. In fact they could well do the same for Mam'selle Pacowski - listen to the vocal blast on Donna Lee.
On the more straight forward readings her delightful accent adds an additional piquancy - Dijon Mustard does the same on a hot dog, both a meeting of two continents and two cultures.
As the graphic shows, la crème de la crème of California's jazz aristocracy are, in various combinations, adding to the occasion. Joel Frahm only shows up on Joe Henderson's Inner Urge but it's a real belter only matched by Pacowski's a thousand sounds a minute solo. Up Jumped Spring has Carl Saunders on trumpet, Peter Erskine on drums and Larry Koonse or guitar and, of course, Marina goes for it keeping everyone on their toes.
East of the Sun features, along with Marina, the "G-jammers" who simply blow the roof off!
The final number, What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? (qu'est-ce que tu fais le reste de ta vie?) was a question easily answered - I'll be eagerly awaiting her next album and a UK tour. Lance
Inner Urge; Pensativa; Solar; My Foolish Heart; Donna Lee; On Green Dolphin Street; I'm Old Fashioned; Moon and Sand; East of the Sun; La Vie\En Rose; Up Jumped Spring; Taking a Chance on Love; What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
Available on March 10 (day after my birthday - what a present!) on Summit Records DCD807.
3 comments :
Ah, but, Dijon mustard and the hot dog both probably originate from the same continent! 😉
Voice too high and little girlish. Doesn’t swing.
To each his own be it mustard or vocal range.
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