So many women, so little time…
Well, Katherine Farnham know how to belt it out, that’s for sure! No hiding in the corner here; she comes out swinging, also playing piano and keyboards with a rotating team of guitarists, drummers and percussionists. She saunters across the dance floor on a bold and brassy “Tango”, and sashays out a samba on “So TInha De Ser Com Voce”. The sass is flying in all directions with guitarist Guinga on “A Vox Do Mundo” , percolates like coffee with percussionist Denny Jiosa and is luscious with Nestor Torres on flute for “Eternidad”. Who let her off her leash!?!?
Patrisha Thomson is of the vocal school where feeling and expression take precedence over chops and gymnastics. Her sandied voice is supported by the top line of Angelenos including Steve Rawlins/p, Grant Geissman/g, Ken Wild /b, Bernie Dresel/dr, Brad Dutz/perc and a horn section of Scott Mayo, Tom Peterson, Michael Stever and Ira Nepus. She’s clear and right on time on “In A Mellow Tone” and shuffles well with Geissman on “Route 66”. She’s world wise on pieces like “Autumn Leaves” and cozy for “Just Squeeze Me”, having fun with the lyrics here, and giving a wink on “Frim Fram Sauce”. Old school musical values holding up well.
Colombian born vocalist Xiomara Torres has a gorgeously earthy voice, filled with passion accompanying herself on the marimba-like guasa teamed with Dan Neville/vibes/mar, David Obregon/b and various guests on horns, reeds and percussion, percussion, percussion. She sizzles over the congas on a clever take of “Let It Be”, but her strength is the tribal Afro Cuban pieces like “Filomena” and “Me Queo Contigo” where she sensuously longs over the avalanche of support. There’s a festive feel to her folksy “Tarde Lo Conoci” and is tender with harp support on “Justicia” while gliding around the nylon guitar strings on the delicate and fragrant “Te Habla Mi Alma”. Definitely want to see her in concert!!!