Lidral Duo Live - 25 January 2009

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 entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this coming Monday, 25 January, 2010, from 4:15-5:00 PM in the "Jazz Corner" of 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 11th continuous semester-long concert series in the Union.

Lidral Duo is Back - 11 January 2009

The Lidral Duo (Karel, soprano saxophone; Terry, piano -- the original Chamber Jazz Ensemble, by the way!) will be presenting the first in their series of concerts entitled the "Chamber Jazz Afternoon Concert Series" this coming Monday (11 January 2010), from 4:15-5 PM in the "Jazz Corner" of 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 11th continuous semester-long concert series in the Union.

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.