An enjoyable romp by former Manhattan Transfer vocalist Janis Siegel that shows off her vocalese ability over nine familiar and not so familiar tracks.
Kicking off with Bird's Barbados, Siegel cuts loose over Sanabria's Caribbean rhythm performing at speed yet making space for piano and bass solos. As part of her JalaLa vocal trio It's Sandman brings back shades of Man Tran or LHR - Lambert and Hendricks were part composers of the tune.
Bye, Bye, Blackbird has Midón sharing the vocal with Siegel. One of them produces some cornetish sounds. Michael Brecker had a hand in the intriguingly titled In the Presence of Absence of Each Other Escoffery puts his head above the parapet for a fine solo.
Unsquare Dance, another vocal trio number has lots of hand-clapping and counting 1 to 7 á la Brubeck's original time signature. Down For Double from the Basie songbook is again a cross between Man Tran and LHR albeit not quite as smooth as either which some will find to their liking - others mightn't. I love it.
From Vienna With Love, an emotive ballad composed by one Conchita Wurst - an Austrian singer who can certainly pen a good tune although Gus Mahler may have helped him. Garner's Stomp turns out be Stomping at the Savoy as recorded by Erroll. Again the trio are in good voice.
Pick up the Pieces. I suspect Vignola is on guitar for this one with a better than average performance. Escoffery once again having a good blow. Lots going on in the engine room.
A good listen which gives an insight into the art of vocalese*. Lance
*Posh version of scat singing.
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