Here are a couple of ladies that pack a punch…
Vocalist Elizabeth Tomboulian has a rich and world-wise tone to her approach on this clever mix of covers and originals. Her team features trumpet star Ingrid Jensen along with Lee Tomboulian/key-voc, Cliff Schmitt/b and Alvester Garnett/dr. Both vocalist and trumpet are muted and breathy on a late night medley “Re: Person I Knew/Time After Time” and soft with subdued subtelty on “For Tomorrow” while joyfully breezing through the Brazilian “Tristeza De Amar.” Lee joins in vocals for a fun and boppy take of “Nutty/If I Love Again” and with his piano helps out on the pretty title track .Elizabeth’s own “Cheesy” is cute and clever, and she shows she can get into a groove on when she shifts from serious to soulful on “For What It’s Worth/Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.” As tasty as tabbouleh.
Paul Harris has lots of sass and spice in her delivery, sounding a lot like vintage Della Reese on this album that features mostly her own material and lyrics. She’s accompanied by Nate Ginsberg/b, Rich Girard/b, Derrick Martin/dr and guests Big Llou Johnson/voc, Bill Ortiz/tp and Christoffer Anderson/bongos for a saucy mix of moods. Her voice can get husky and bluesy for a vampy “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight” while getting a clear gospel feel on the crystalline “Haunted.” Lots of funky oomph is present as on “I Wanna Hagter Myself Tomorrow” and the slinky “A Mind Of My Own.” With Ortiz’s horn, she brings new lyrics and a fresh mood to “‘Round Midnight,” gets bohemian on “Something Wicked” along with Johnson’s poetic rap, and slithers to Girard’s bass on “Forever And A Day.” She can be as fun as all get out on the hoot of “Soul-Sucking Man” while deep and desultory for “Who Put Those Scratches On Your Back.” She’s got some dirt under her nails!