Three voices of song…
Ada Bird Wolfe uses her rich and swinging voice to team up on some standards with Jamieson Trotter/key, Dan Lutz/b, Mike Shapiro/dr, Scott Mahyo/ts, Jamelle Adisa/tp and a trio of guitarists. She has a Carmen McRae huskiness to her deliver, conversant on “Lover Man” and wonderfully quirky on a take of Thelonious Monk’s “How I Wish (Ask Me Now)” with a deep reflective take of “’Round Midnight” and bopping “Monk’s Dream”. She delivers a poetic samba with guitarist Kleber Jorge for “Doralice” while getting gritty on a swampy Memphis take of “Every Time I Sing The Blues.” Strong and fresh reads of some familiar material. Lots of nice ideas working here.
Clear-toned Karla Harris joins together with Randy Porter/p, Sam Sims-Jeff Johnston-Damian Erskine/b, Todd Strait/dr and a handful of guests on a mix of originals and covers. She shows some gospel chops for Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” with rich B3 work by Tyrone Jackson, and plugs in to a fusion and clever take of the pop hit from the 60s “Cherish.” Pianist George Colligan brings in some nice jazz thoughts for “The Way He Makes Me Feel” while Harris’ own “Folds” has an upbeat Caribbean feel and “Certain Elements” glows with wonderment. Optimistic moods and deliveries.
Simone Morris draws you into her songs with restraint, supported by Mike Freedman/g, Adrean Farrugia/p-key, Chris Adraanse/b, Max Senitt/dr and guests on voice and horns. With muted horn by William Sperandei, she is streetwise on a raspy “Baby This Works” and bluesy on a souflu “Java Man.” A hip poetic “What A Life” features rich keys, and she is cozy with Farrugia on “Spinning.” The ¾ “Man in the Corner” has Bill Mcbirnie’s flute floating over the wondrous rhythm, and the sensuous “Don’t Come Crying to Me” grooving into a rich samba. Inviting verse.