New York Voices – A Day Like This – MCG Jazz

by | Aug 20, 2007 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

New York Voices – A Day Like This – MCG Jazz MCGJ1031, 64:06 ****:

(Kim Nazrian, voice; Lauren Kinhan, voice; Darmon Meader, voice/tenor sax; Peter Eldridge, voice/piano; Guests: Paquito D’Rivera, Bob Mintzer, Dave Samuels, Chuck Loeb & others)

This jazz vocal quartet swings 14 tunes, together with an array of top guest artists and some good arrangements – mostly by the member of the quartet.  Some of the tunes are backed by a big band and one case an arrangement by Don Sebesky.  I especially liked the vibes solo by Dave Samuels on Ellington’s Love You Madly.  Tunes by Stevie Wonder and Laura Nyro share the program along with unhackneyed standards and more unusual numbers.

The closing track – Jackie – uses Annie Ross’ lyrics, reminding us of the pioneering work the Lambert, Hendricks & Ross trio did in this vocal jazz area.  I somewhat missed the special harmonies and voice leading of previous groups such as the Hi-Los and Four Freshmen, often the product of Gene Purling’s arrangements, but still found this a very enjoyable vocal jazz trip.  It would have been helpful to have the lyrics printed out in the note booklet.

TrackList: Darn That Dream, The World Keeps You Waiting, In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning, On a Clear Day, For All We Know, Love You Madly, As We Live and Breathe, No Moon at All, Chamego (Betty’s Bossa), Noticing the Moment, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing, Stoned Soul Picnic, A Day Like This, Jackie.

– John Henry

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