Jody Sandhaus
Afterglow


Grade - A


Jody Sandhaus is a vocalist deserving of much more fanfare than she is currently receiving.  Hopefully, the release of her newest album, Afterglow, will rectify this.  Afterglow is a recording of eleven duets for piano and voice with pianist Pete Malinverni and is Sandhaus' strongest recording yet.

Sandhaus has a beautiful voice, managing to balance subtle vocal nuances while still maintaining her pitch.  She never resorts to oversinging and lets the melody carry the heavy weight of the song.  Her vocal style is ideal for this set of songs, which for the most part are melancholy, dealing with the trials of romance.  I need to stress that Sandhaus is a skilled technician and is able to evoke different moods as required by the lyrics.  I especially enjoyed the husky raspiness of her voice on "Love Is a Necessary Evil", a vocal quality I did not recall hearing her use on her two prior albums, I Think of You and A Fine Spring Morning.

Pete Malinverni's playing is outstanding and the interplay between these two musicians demonstrate a great amount of trust.  Malinverni somehow manages to maintain a distinct style while going through stylistic changes like a musical chameleon.  I love the intimacy that these two impart to the songs - an intimacy that makes Afterglow sound like it was recorded for each listener, personally.

I am also impressed by the fact that Sandhaus and Malinverni took a risk by recording songs that are lesser-known than the standard American songbook fare.  While risky it makes Afterglow a fresh listening experience.

If you are already familiar with Jody Sandhaus, then purchase this album immediately, you won't be disappointed.  If you have yet to hear Ms. Sandhaus, then I recommend that you sample some of the songs on Afterglow.  If you do I have a feeling you will soon own this fantastic recording.

Check out more on Jody Sandhaus and Afterglow at www.jodysandhaus.com.

Lidral Duo in the Memorial Union - 7 December 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the thirteenth (and final for this semester) in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this coming Monday, 7 December 2009, from 4:15-5 PM in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace) at the University of Maine, Orono, ME.

Now in their 22nd season, this is their 10th continuous semester-long concert series in the Union. They'll be back for the spring semester on January 11th, 2010!

Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet
¡Bien Bien!
(Patois Records)

Grade - B+

¡Bien Bien! is the newest recording from the Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Ensemble and is an excellent release from the trombonist, composer, arranger, and producer.Wallace leads his quintet through a set of songs that have a Latin groove and a laid back, west coast vibe. Wallace does this by relaxing the tempo, compared to NYC-based Latin jazz groups, giving the album a sense of Wallace's San Francisco hometown.

Of particular note is the fine piano playing of Murray Low. Low's aggressive attack and understanding of Latin rhythms are reminiscent of the playing of the late Hilton Ruiz. Low really propels these songs to another level. The arrangements of Wallace are spot-on, as well. I particularly enjoyed Duke's "In a Sentimental Mood" reworked as a bolero. Ellington is ripe for this type of interpretation and Wallace showed taste and restraint in arranging this song. Wallace, by no means, takes a back seat as a musician either. His solo in Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance" is outstanding - he plays his solo and stretches and contracts the rhythm giving the song an ethereal feeling. This is no mean feat as in lesser hands the trombone can sound lumbering.

As for criticisms, I would have preferred the sound of an upright bass to a bass guitar on these tracks. On some songs it worked for me, on other's it was a distraction. I also thought that the arrangement to "Playa Negra" was a little too smooth for my tastes, reminding me of Steely Dan or 1980's-vintage Brecker Brothers. Despite this, I feel that this is Wallace's finest album to date and is a fresh take on Latin jazz.

Check out more on Wayne Wallace and ¡Bien Bien! at www.walacomusic.com.

Lidral Duo in the Memorial Union - 2 November 2009

The Lidral Duo, (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble), will be presenting their eighth in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" on Monday, 2 November 2009, from 4:15 - 5:00 PM in the "Jazz Corner", (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace), of Union Central in the Memorial Union at the University of Maine, Orono, ME.

Now in their 22nd season, this is their tenth continuous semester-long concert series in the Union.

Lidral Duo in the Memorial Union - 26 October 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the fifth in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this coming Monday (26 October, 2009), from 4:15-5 pm in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace) at the University of Maine, Orono, ME.

Now in their 22nd season, this is their 10th continuous semester-long concert series.

Lidral Duo in the Memorial Union - 5 October 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the fifth in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this coming Monday (5 October, 2009), from 4:15-5 pm in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace) at the University of Maine, Orono, ME.

Now in their 22nd season, this is their 10th continuous semester-long concert series.

Lidral Duo in the Memorial Union - 28 September 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the fourth in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this coming Monday (September 28th, 2009), from 4:15-5 pm in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace) at the University of Maine, Orono, ME.

Now in their 22nd season, this is their 10th continuous semester-long concert series.

A Quiet Thing

Lisa Sokolov, A Quiet Thing (Laughing Horse Records)

Grade: B+

Jazz vocalists have never really been my cup of tea.  I love the joy and range of Ella Fitzgerald, the pathos and blues of Billie Holiday, and the rich timbre of Joe Williams' voice.  However, for my tastes, I find most jazz vocalists are either unoriginal or guiltay of oversinging.  However, that being said, Lisa Sokolov is a vocalist I really dig.  Her singing may not appeal to everyone, but you can't accuse her of being unoriginal.

A Quiet Thing is Sokolov's newest release and highlights her extraordinary vocal skills.  When singing standards she presents the listener with something that has never been heard before.  Her aim is to strip these well-known gems down to their vital essence.  Often, as on Billy Strayhorn's "Lush Life", she mines gold, revitalizing a song that in lesser hands would have been a luke warm rehashing of a brilliant song.  At other times she misses the mark - "Ol' Man River" her vocals are at odds with the lyric, as if she were swimming against the current.  The inexorable flow of the river to the see is not captured here.

The real gems on A Quiet Thing are Sokolov's compositions.  Here we really get the sense of Sokolov's roots in the blues, a tangible feel for cool moist earth and the mist settling on our skin.  The quirky rhythms of "Succatash" are balanced by the raw power of Sokolov's voice.  At times, I hear as much Janis Joplin influence as much as any jazz chanteuse.  On "She Is Standing", Sokolov is more contemplative, blending her vocals seamlessly with the accompaniment.

A Quiet Thing is a very good album that will not disappoint her current fans, and may find her some new ones as well.  The programming of the songs is well-thought out, mixing the standards and originals.  If you are looking for a jazz vocalist willing to put her art on the line, then look no further than A Quiet Thing.

Recommended songs: "Succatsah", "Lush Life", "She Is Standing", "A Quiet Thing"

More Information:

Lisa Sokolov

Laughing Horse Records

UMaine Chamber Jazz Ensemble

Hello, everyone!  TheUNIVERSITY OF MAINE CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLE will be presenting their final performance of the spring, 2009 semester this Wednesday, 4/22/09, in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union at the University of Maine, Orono, ME from 11 am - noon.  We hope you will be able to come for all or part of the concert!

Lidral Duo - Live! 20 April 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the twelfth in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this Monday (April 20th, 2009) from 4:15-5 pm in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace)at the University of Maine, Orono, ME.

Now in their 21st season, this is their 9th continuous semester-long concert series: they will be playing every Monday that classes are in session (Next week, of course, will be our last performance of the semester).

April is Jazz Appreciation Month!  Here are the events taking place at the University of Maine this month:

1)      Sa, 4/4:  LIDRAL DUO performance, Bangor Public Library Lecture Hall, 2 pm;

2)      M, 4/6:  LIDRAL DUO, Union Central (Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series performance), 4:15-5 pm;

3)      Tu, 4/7:  UME CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLE performance, Bangor Public Library, 6:30 pm;

4)      Sa, 4/11:  Jazz Movie presentation at the Bangor Public Library, 2 pm;

5)      M, 4/13:  LIDRAL DUO, Union Central (Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series performance), 4:15-5 pm;

6)      Tu, 4/14:  LIDRAL DUO performance/”lecture,” Bangor Public Library, “Teen Jazz Night”;

7)      M, 4/20:  UME CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLE performance, CCA, for UMe Open House, 8:30-9:15 am;

8)      M, 4/20:  LIDRAL DUO, Union Central (Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series performance), 4:15-5 pm;

9)      W, 4/22:  UME CHAMBER JAZZ ENSEMBLE performance, Union Central, 11 am-noon;

10)     Th, 4/23:  UME JAZZ ENSEMBLE performance, Minsky Recital Hall, 7:30 pm; and

11)     M, 4/27:  LIDRAL DUO, Union Central (Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series performance), 4:15-5 pm.

Lidral Duo Live -- 16 February 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry,

piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the sixth in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this Monday (February 16th, 2009) from 4:15-5 pm in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union at the University of Maine (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace).

       Now in their 21st season, this is their 9th continuous semester-long concert series:  the Lidral Duo will be playing every Monday that classes are in session.

The Lidral Duo - Live! 22 January 2009

If you are near the University of Maine this Thursday, be sure to check this out.

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the second in their series of concerts, the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this Thursday (22 January 2009) from 4:15-5 pm in the "Jazz Corner" in Union Central in the Memorial Union (beneath the jazz poster by the fireplace).  Next week, we'll be returning to our regular Monday performance schedule (same time, place).

Now in their 21st season, this is their 9th continuous semester-long concert series:  they will be playing every Monday that classes are in session (with the exception of this week, of course!).

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

Due to priority changes in my personal life, I no longer host Streams of Consciousness on WMEB.  However, I still will be posting reviews for new and classic albums.  Stay tuned in for a review on the new ESP-Disk' release from Flow Trio, Rejuvenation.

Stay tuned in!!!!!