Judging from 3000 miles away, it’s difficult to appreciate the longevity of the New York voices, but they’ve been together now for 25 years, no small accomplishment by ANY standards. This latest release from Koln, Germany features the voices of Kim Nazarian, Lauren Kinham, Darmon Meader and Peter Eldridge along with the WDR Big Band conducted and arranged by Michael Abene. The cleverness, breath and depth of the group in this setting is impressive; they select intriguing material to cover as well as write some impressive stuff on their own.
They have the moxie to do a couple of Paul Simon tunes, both which work well. A swinging “Baby Driver” includes a rocking Hammond B3 while Nazarian floats with some enchanting woodwinds on “I Do It For Your Love.” A Birth of the Coolish “Darn That Dream” has Eldridges nasally voice blending with Jens Neufang’s bass clarinet, while the whole team works like the Yankees’ infield on a cirrus and bluesy “Stolen Moments.” Their own “The World Keeps You Waiting” has some intriguing and exotic . The caravanesque moods, and all of the stops are pulled out for the larrapin’ “The Sultan Fainted,” which has some Frank Chastenier’s piano weave in and out of percussive and vocal thunder. A great mix of voices and instruments here, and an inspiration for all vocal fans.
Palmetto Records