The clean, tasteful, accessible, and swinging sound of Concord Records is well showcased on
Voices of Concord Jazz, a collection of 20 live performances (both small group and big band) by seven of the California-based label's jazz singers. In truth, there's nothing earth-shattering to be found in these 105 minutes--no Sarahs, Billies, Mels, or Ellas are on hand (although Patti Austin certainly evokes Miss Fitzgerald in a set that includes "Mr. Paganini" and a tour de force "How High the Moon"). But while the Concord approach has usually been more about entertaining and engaging listeners than challenging them, this is decidedly not the pallid style commonly known as "smooth jazz"; indeed, the occasional Vegas-isms of singers like Peter Cincotti (virtually a younger Harry Connick Jr.) and Curtis Stigers are more than balanced by their instrumental prowess on piano and sax, respectively. Elsewhere, Karrin Allyson shines in a too-brief set that includes the Bobby Timmons standard "Moanin'" (with lyrics by Jon Hendricks), while the bluesy, sultry "Stay Away from Bill," her duet with Diane Schuur (an extraordinarily powerful vocalist with an unfortunate tendency to shriek), is a highlight. Others include Nnenna Freelon and Monica Mancini (daughter of Henry); all are backed by some superb players, including a mostly German big band conducted by the estimable Tom Scott.
--Sam Graham
1 God Bless Concord
In this day of smoothie jazz musak and too darn few opportunities to see and hear good jazz vocalists hats off to exec producer Glen Barros and the good folks at Concord. They're high on my list for bringing back Keely Smith on cd and sharing this fine compilation of vocalists in their stable -- most of whom are backed by one hell of a crisp big band that just plain crackles. Let me be short and sweet folks. This is first-rate video and audio and many fun performances. My particular favorites are Curtis Stigers' 'How Could a Man Take Such a Fall', the Diane Schuur-Karrin Allyson 'Stay Away from Bill' and everything by Patti Austin. Please, Concord, give us more. And, put Keely up on stage.
2 A jazz vocal lover's delight!!
Concord Jazz should be given a huge "thank you" for showcasing the likes of Peter Cincotti, Karrin Allyson, Monica Mancini, Diane Schuur, Curtis Stigers, Nnenna Freelon, and Patti Austin in this superb DVD filmed in live concert at Montreux last summer.
Except for Allyson and Stigers (their two-number sets were way too brief), each singer had three turns at bat, some backed by tightly-knit small groups, others by the German-based WDR Big Band fronted by Tom Scott. Standouts were Cincotti's swinging original tune "I Changed the Rules," Schuur and Allyson's duet of "Stay Away from Bill," Austin's versions of "Mr. Paganini" and "How High the Moon" (based on Ella's original recordings), Allyson's take on the jazz classic "Moanin" (Bobby Timmons, with lyrics by Jon Hendricks), Freelon's "Better than Anything," and the reprise of "How High the Moon" involving all the voices.
My only disappointment is the running time of the DVD (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes). A few extras, such as interviews with the performers, would have been an added treat.
