Tania
Grubbs (vocals); David Budway (piano); Ron Affif (guitar); Jeff Grubbs (bass,
vocal); James John lll (drums)
Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania is geo-located at the confluence of three major rivers. Thus, one
of its many monikers is the City of Bridges. With The Sound of Love, ‘Burgh’ residing jazz vocalist, Tania Grubbs, and
her quintet admirably connect fourteen diverse selections across a span of jazz
standards, GASers, originals, and contemporary pop hits.
Grubbs, exposed, bursts head-on into the Gershwins’ But Not for Me over James John lll’s brushes and with rhythmic ping-pong. The track swings with great verve and drive. Grubbs takes hold of the reins, plays with time and lyric and ends the cooking with chuckles on a hot mic.
Slow Hot Wind (aka, Lujon) from Henry Mancini and Ipanema lyricist Norman Gimbel is an exotic take. Grubbs is both sensuous and inviting here. Pianist David Budway and guitarist Ron Affif solo, each buying into the same vibe. (A Rhyme) This Time, associated with Al Jarreau and guitarist Earl Klugh, presents Grubbs covering in a softer take. Grubbs approaches the poetic lyric in a reserved manner with Budway flourishing expansively in counterpoint. It’s an engaging track.
Charles
Mingus’ love letter to the Master, Duke
Ellington’s Sound of Love offers a vocalist a challenge and Grubbs nails it.
The intervallic jumps are pin-point in tune and not strained. This is a
highlight track and a brilliant production choice.
Arguably
one of the lesser-visited tunes from the famed Time Out (Columbia Records, 1959), Dave and Iola Brubeck’s Strange Meadowlark is here a lilting
waltz (the original is in 4/4) before moving into the original meter. Grubbs
approach is upbeat, engaging and an illuminating listen.
Ms.
Grubbs’ tasteful original, The Sculptor’s
Hands, is a slower, image-provoking piece that was influenced by the work
of Pittsburgh’s jazz-loving sculptor, Thaddeus Mosely. Over a light-rock base,
Grubbs’ vocal approach is straightforward and similar to a Carole King vibe.
Throughout
the session. Grubbs’ versatility and consistency of presentation is superb.
There’s great light and joy in her vocal spectrum. She’s an optimist in every
regard and generous in offering spirit. Her supporting crew (including Tania’s
husband, bassist Jeff) is also upbeat and masterful across the variety of
genres. The production values are superior, including brilliant curating of the
musical menu.
Billy Strayhorn’s haunting Something to Live For (his very first work with Duke Ellington) is a lush, light ballad presented elegantly by Grubbs. While the tune has been recorded by many vocal greats, Grubbs presentation joins those ranks with a standout rendition. Pianist Budway and guitarist Ron Affif frame the vocalist perfectly.
Blackbird from the Lennon-McCartney Songbook is an upbeat presentation that is covered straight up. Grubbs wisely sings the tune in its appropriate style and bassist Jeff Grubbs offers an energized solo.
The
Grubbs’ scat in hip unison before Four,
associated with Miles Davis, launches as a peppered swinger. Grubbs
demonstrates she can cook with ease. Budway offers an engaged solo and the
rhythm section drives madly.
Two
Henry Mancini classics - Dreamsville
and Two for the Road - are covered by
Grubbs straight up. Of these, Grubbs' take on the latter is utterly exquisite. This
tune has become a favorite of vocalists of late. However, Grubbs approach presented
in duo with flourishing accompaniment by David Budway, is both the album-highlight
and a standout rendition.
The Sound of Love is
a wonderfully performed experience by a fine vocal artist and team. It is its
own vibrant confluence of talent, swing, and insight. Nick Mondello
Track
listing: But Not for Me; Slow Hot Wind;
(A Rhyme) This Time; Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love; Strange Meadowlark; The
Sculptor’s Hands; Something to Live For; Blackbird; Sunshine on My Shoulders; I
Can Tell You Are Always There; Four; Dreamsville; If You Could See Me Now; Two
for the Road.
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