Voices that are not gender neutral!
Pianist Franks Bak brings in the cool emotions of the perfect enunciations from Sinne Eeg on this collection of tunes from the pen of Helle Hansen. The backing team of Peter Sprague/g, Thomas Vang/b, Emil de Waal/dr and August Wanngren/choir mix and match throughout, with some tenderness on “Softer Than You Know” and emotive vulnerability on ”Is This It”. In a trio setting with piano and bass, Eeg is genteel on “Close Your Eyes” and when only with Bak on the keys, shows soft caresses for “ I Will Never Let You Down”. Silk support.
Vocalist Amber Weekes gives a salute to Nancy Wilson, giving girl-next-door readings of tunes associated with the jazz legend. She’s backed by a group of all stars that include Russell M alone-Andy Synowiec/g, Andy Langham-Tony Campodonico/p, Rickey Woodard/ts and Jeff Littleton/b, and gets fun and cozy for “Gentleman Friend”. She slinks with Little on ”What A Little Moonlight Can Do” and shows here sassy side on “I’m Always Drunk In San Francisco”, waltzing with tenorist Jacob Scesney on “A Lady with a Song”. Optimistic opus.
Sweet toned Synia Carroll takes on standards with an earthy flare, backed by John Di Martino/p, Kenny Davis/b, Jerome Jennings/dr, Aaron Heick/reeds, Westey Lima De Amorim/g and guest Houston Person/ts. Person blows smoke rings around Carroll on a coy “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” and the slinky “Willow Weep For Me”. Exotic moods are cast out on “Afro Blue” while Heick’s flute is a breeze on “Norwegian Wood”, while a tropical climate is created on “Learning How To Fly”. Inviting smiles.