Here are a couple ladies that know how to carry a tune, more ways than one for the latter.
Maureen Budway has a rich and clear voice. She uses it well with David Budway/p, Jeff Grubs-Paul Thompson/b, James Johnson III-Thomas Wendt/dr and guests on this collection of songs that emphasize America and Americana. Can’t remember the last time I heard a Stephen Foster tune, but Budway picks well with her piano and an old world attitude on “Hard Times Come Again No More.” Hubie Laws brings his flute to a reflective and deep “Trav’lin’ Light” and Budway gets real cozy on “Del Sasser.” She’s crystalline on “Spring Is Hear” teams up with Joe Negri’s guitar on a luminous read of “The White Cliffs of Dover” while “Aguas De Marco” bounces with delight. She carries a tune and a torch well.
Katie Thiroux is a triple threat: she sings clear and warm like a spring morning, plays bass like a bopper, and even composes. If she can cook, I’ve got a friend who’s VERY interested. But, I digress…
She’s teamed with a bunch of hep cats, Roger Neuman/ts, Matt Witek/dr and new kid with an axe Graham Dechter, and the tunes and attitudes are just right. She matches well with Dechter’s strings on a bluesy “Don’t Be On The Outside” and a nifty “I’m Old Fashioned. “ She shows here style and grace on the bass during “Ray’s Kicks” and a slick workout on “Wives and Loves.” Neumann bops like a bullet on “Rosebird” and goes desultory with the lady on “Can’t We Be Friends” whle Thiroux is her most luscious on the ruby red lipped “The One I Love (Belongs to Someone Else).” From the West Coast Cool “A Beautiful Friendship” to the closing bass work on “Oh What A Beautiful Morning,” this lady is a Triple Crowner.
MCG Jazz