Every once in a while discs make their way to the offices of Blues on Stage that in no way can be construed as blues, or even blues-based. This is one of those recordings. Trombonist Nelson Foltz and company paint lush aural landscapes that fall most conveniently into the jazz pigeonhole, though this is music that defies easy categorization. "I See You Again" features the ethereal vocals of MaryAnne Marino over a live band (trombone, bass clarinet, guitar, udu, acoustic bass, alto flute, etc) that almost sounds synthesized. These are clearly not musicians unaccustomed to odd mixes in the musikitchen. The take on Ivan Lins' gorgeous "Life In The Modern World," with a crystal-voiced Carolyn Leonhart on lead vocals pitted against the equally stunning acoustic guitar work of Stephen Benson is superbly constructed. The Foltz-penned "Karin," is a wonderful duet piece for Benson and Foltz that reminds of Antonio Jobim, while the standard "I Fall In Love Too Easily" is played solo by trombonist Foltz with a clear tone that calls Steve Turre to mind. Nick Drake's "Horn" is given a cinematic reading from Foltz, guitarist/organist/ spooky loops player Gerry Leonard and bass clarinetist Michael Grohler. "Amadok" is a solo alto flute performance from Daniel Dorrance on a Foltz composition, pointing to the generosity of space accorded his fellow players by Foltz, all of whom are quite exceptional. This is an enchanting disc., a world-class effort highly recommended to adventurous ears.
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This review is copyright © 2002 by Mark E. Gallo, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
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