Sara Wasserman – Solid Ground – That Other Label (Pacific Coast Jazz) – PJ91341, 44:08 ****:
(Sara Wasserman, vocals and background vocals; Rob Wasserman, bass; Randy Emata, piano, percussion, keyboards, background vocals, drums; Christian McBride, Bass; Lou Reed, electric guitar; Aaron Neville, vocals; Stephen Perkins, drums; Vernon Reid, guitar; DJ Logic, turntables and addition percussion; Cedricke Dennis, guitar; Mike Clark, drums; Alan Evans, drums; Sakai, background vocals; Monet, background vocals; Skyler, background vocals)
A hall of fame collection of artists join in with Sara Wasserman on Solid Ground a 2009 release from That Other Label. A light jazz and poppy expression of a woman that grew up in family full of free-spirited artists as the daughter of Rob Wasserman, living in and surrounded by musical excellence.
A debut album has seldom sounded so good. Talent like this is born and not made. Sara has fine-tuned her musical skills and with the help of Lou Reed, Aaron Neville, Rob Wasserman and many other fantastic artists, Solid Ground, provides a great addition to or beginning of a collection of pop rock that isn’t teeny bopper or over-produced stereo songs overtaking the airwaves.
Fly Away with Aaron Neville is an emotionally charged track that makes you trust that Sara has found her way home. Home to a musical adventure that has just kicked off. Covering the Hall & Oats song Sara Smile was a very clever debut choice. Her highs and lows are so fine-tuned and clear. This album is completely enjoyable. I’m ever so impressed with this CD and look forward to Sara’s future releases.
TrackList:
1. Little Bird
2. I Am A Song
3. Leap of Faith
4. Fly Away
5. Sara Smile
6. Fresh Out Of Tears
7. Solid Ground
8. Somehow Forever
9. Need To Know
10. Hindsight
11. Little Bird (Reprise)
— Paul Pelon IV
