Three different ways to present the jazz idiom via the female voice. Any preferences, or just do a smorgasbord?
Cristina Braga brings her voice and harp along with the team of Ricardo Medeiros/b-arr, Jesse Sadoc/tp-fh, Joca Moraes/dr and Arthur Dutra/vibe through a smooth and silky presentation of Brazilian jazz. Her voice is whipped butter, nice and frothy as she coos through familiar gems like “Desifinado” as well as more obscure pieces like “Love Parfait.” She also throws in a couple sleek instrumentals, with Sadoc’s horn sounding exquisite on “Triste De Quem.” Breezy!
Youn Sun Nah has a bit more of an assertive tone to her voice as she mixes material ranging from Nine Inch Nails to Alexander Scriabin to Korean traditional folk music. The eclectic collection is performed aptly by Ulf wakenius/g, Lars Danielsson/b, Vincent Peirani/acc and Xavier Desandre-Navarre/perc, able to go from edgy “Hurt” to evocative “Arirang” without sounding strained. Nah’s range and depth is impressive and remarkable expressive throughout. Intriguing.
Carol Duboc brings her California sunshine’d voice to a smooth jazz atmosphere with the likes of heavy hitters Jeff Lorber/key, Vinnie Colaiuta/dr, Brian Bromberg-Jimmy Haslip/b, Hubert Laws/fl, Luis Conte/perc, Tim Carmon/p and Michael Thompson/g. Not a bad lot at all, and the songs like “Unpredictable,” “Parachute” and Behind a Kiss.” This type of contemporary jazz is not necessarily my cup of tea, but while playing it in the car with my wife, she says, “This music is getting me in the mood!” So, ya know what? I’m playing it, BUDDY!!!!! While musically gentle and breezy, the theme of the album is about the beginnings, high points, nadir and eventual ending of a relationship. Killing her softly with his songs. Quietly cathartic.
Enja Records
Act Records
Gold Note Music
www.carolduboc.com