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