Becca Stevens Archive

Chris Tordini – Midnight Sun – Newvelle

by Audiophile Audition | Sep 30, 2017 | Jazz CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

Chris Tordini – Midnight Sun – Newvelle Records NV 010LP – 180 gm vinyl – ****: Wearing your heart on your sleeve—celebrating in acoustic splendor… (Chris Tordini – bass; Becca Stevens – vocals; Greg Ruggiero – guitars) I first became aware of Becca Stevens’ talents a few years ago when she participated on Billy Childs’ Grammy winning tribute to Laura Nyro, Map to the Treasure. Becca sang “The Confession.” Her original vocal talents were immediately apparent, and hearing her live early the next year at the Portland Jazz Festival, both with Billy and on her own, helped form a lasting impression. As part of Newvelle Records second year subscription series, Ms. Stevens is featured on her band mate, bassist Chris Tordini’s Midnight Sun audiophile LP.  Tordini’s muscular, yet sympathetic bass accompanies Stevens along with guitarist, Greg Ruggiero.  Both Chris and Greg shine during their solos, but it is Becca who raises this release to a much higher level. Becca’s acclaim has been steady, and she was voted Best Rising Vocal Star in the most recent Downbeat Poll. Tordini plays bass in her current band (they both attended the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City), and […]