chris wong in sync
Charles McPherson
Jane Monheit
Joani Taylor & Bob Murphy: The Art of the Jazz Ballad - Way back in 1967, vocalist Joani Taylor and pianist Bob Murphy got hitched. They didn't stay together as a couple, but both went on to laudable careers in music. Years after their marital union Murphy suggested they do a duo recording, which this CD captures. It was good suggestion. They still have a strong musical rapport that's clearly conveyed in this uncommonly intimate session.
On jazz standards, originals co-written by Murphy and Lleanna Clark, and at least one classic pop tune-Lennon and McCartney's "Yesterday"-Taylor displays a gorgeous voice for the most part. She uses it to best effect when singing softly. But when Taylor gets more intense, like on "Forever Eyes", it sounds like she's straining for notes. As for Murphy, he plays beautifully throughout. He accompanies Taylor with total sensitivity and solos in his truly original style.
Rumba Calzada: Raphael Geronimo's Rumba Calzada, Vol 03 - There's a lot going for this disc, Rumba Calzada's first release since 1997's Generations. First and foremost, the album contains hot Latin jazz and salsa, with an emphasis on vital Afro-Cuban grooves, driven by Raphael Geronimo on timbales and other percussion. The musicians-among the best local instrumentalists who play Latin music-lock in to the clave rhythm that's essential to this music and deliver substantive solos. It's also impressive that the album consists entirely of worthy originals by Geronimo and others.
So it's too bad the vocals got buried in the mix on some tunes, such as "Cuidado Rene" and "Meneate". While the invigorating music consistently comes across with clarity, the vocals sound distant and muffled on those songs. It's best, therefore, to appreciate Rumba Calzada's latest disc for its instrumental pleasures.
Alpha Yaya Diallo: The Journey (Jericho Beach Music) - Alpha Yaya Diallo has always excelled at creating music that successfully blends traditional West African sounds with contemporary elements. The singer/guitarist/songwriter does exactly that on The Journey, which Kevin Finseth and Ousmane Kouyate (known for his guitar work with Salif Keita) co-produced. Diallo and his backing musicians effectively combine acoustic and electric instruments. Even "N'Dare", featuring loops from Jacob Cino and a rap by Aaron Johnson, works.
Don't get me wrong-Diallo stays true to his roots on The Journey. In fact the album's highlights include two acoustic songs: "Mi Djedjima", which Diallo recorded with musicians in his native Guinea, and "N'Koro", featuring Diallo and Kouyate on acoustic guitars. Is The Journey the brilliant album I've been waiting for from Diallo? No. But it offers a more than satisfying listen.
Charles McPherson may not be a household name in the jazz world, but he's still one of the most passionate and skilled players around. The alto saxophonist, who played with Charles Mingus for years and has long worked as a leader, performed vigorously at his last Vancouver show in 1998. McPherson will play Jan. 25-26 at the Cellar with Ross Taggart on piano, bassist Jodi Proznick and drummer Blaine Wikjord. Call (604) 738-1959 for reservations.
What I Did During the Christmas Holidays - I spent most of the holidays in Los Angeles, where I braved the freeways to check out some gigs. One artist I heard was jazz singer Jane Monheit. The December issue of Jazziz magazine had a cover story that explored whether Monheit's escalating success is due to vocal ability or her sex appeal and aggressive manager (who used to manage Diana Krall).
At the Catalina Bar & Grill, one of LA's premier jazz clubs, Monheit sounded mediocre at first but became stronger as the set progressed. She got my attention with a gutsy version of "I Love You Porgy" and won me over by convincingly interpreting a challenging tune: Antonio Carlos Jobim's "Waters of March". I think Monheit is a bona fide talent who could provide serious competition to Krall. One thing's for sure: Monheit projects a far warmer stage presence than Krall.