Inspired by a song in the 1944 Oscar winning movie Heavenly Music Ingraham decided that music can transcend the genre in which it is performed. A theory that was further substantiated when, at a party, she heard Aerosmith's Stephen Tyler sing a jazz riff whilst he was at the piano playing the band's hit Dream On. The dream became a reality with Jazz Dreams where rock hits are given a jazz feeling - a bit like PMJ without the razzmatazz!
The album opens with that same Dream On. A wistful ballad with Brecker's flugel sharing the emotion and Ingraham Sr. displaying her unique range. Daughter Lily adds vocal support with Randall's guitar also slotting in some sinuous lines.
House of the Rising Sun may well be related to an establishment in New Orleans but to those of us in the jugular part of the UK it's Newcastle, original stomping ground of the Animals, that springs to mind. Although it entered American folklore in 1874, a dispute over royalties ultimately led to the break-up of the band. No such infighting here, Mama Ingraham gets to the heart of the song aided and abetted by Christopher's authentic clarinet sound.
Little Things with just piano, bass and drums works beautifully. The voice, a curious mix of Kate Bush, Debbie Harry and Blossom Dearie emerges as 100% Kathy Ingraham including words and music.
Kathy also composed Melusina: “This is my deep dive into the world of myth,” she says. “I started researching my family genealogy and discovered that I was a direct descendant of the kings and queens of England and Scotland. I found out more about the mystical characters of the House of Plantagenet. The jazz lyrics here reach back to the ring in the water.” Nice guitar from Elliott Randall who may be a direct descendent of Charlie Christian.
This one came in from left field and it's a good one even though the Stones' Ruby Tuesday is the last number I'd expect to find on a jazz album! However, listening to it again nigh on sixty years later I can understand the appeal. Surprisingly this time around it's raunchier, perhaps how it would sound if it was re-recorded by Jagger/Richard and co today.
Laura Nyo provided Eli's Coming for Three Dog Night and Ingraham picks it up adding just enough jazz feel to give it the edge.
Stairway to Heaven follows Led Zep up to a point before changing direction. The rockers kept on rocking 'til they reached the pearly gates where they were vetted. Ingraham slipped in quietly by a side door, Galison's harmonica the musical password.
The album began and ended in Heaven - deservedly so. Lance
1 comment :
So lovely. Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. I am touched. (KI)
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