Record Reviews

SONJA KRISTINA ~ CRI DE COEUR MARKET SQUARE 116 (Barcode: 5024545225129) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2003 Ten years after recording her last solo album, British singer Sonja KristinaFind albums by this artist (of Curved AirFind albums by this artist fame) recorded this, her 4th solo project. Considering the fact that she is normally associated with Prog and later Folk-Rock, this time she makes a complete about-face and turns to Jazz, quite a surprise to her numerous fans and admirers. This is quite a daring step, as Kristina presents here her interpretations of the classic Jazz songbook, which was recorded repeatedly before by the greatest Jazz singers – definitely not an easy pair of shoes to step into. She wisely chose to use up-to-date arrangements, beautifully done by Israeli (living in London) pianist / arranger / composer Tsivi SharettFind albums by this artist, and a intimate setting of a Jazz trio, which includes Tsivi on piano, the excellent Ben HaseltonFind albums by this artist on bass and Brian EdwardsFind albums by this artist on sax & flute. Subtle string arrangements were added on several of the tracks. Overall Kristina stands up to the challenge, even though she freely plays around with the both the tempo and the melody of the original standards. The instrumental arrangements are very good and Kristina’s voice is still strong and unique as ever. Jazz purists will probably shrug at this recording, as it often steps beyond what they expect to hear, but for open-minded listeners there are plenty of nice surprises to enjoy.

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TSIVI SHARETT ~ OPEN TOES AND EVERYTHING NOT ON LABEL ~ ISRAEL ~ Jazz Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 1st album by Israeli pianist / composer / arranger Tsivi SharettFind albums by this artist, currently living in London, who presents here her talents as composer of great Jazz tunes as well as playing piano with an ensemble of British musicians. Classically trained, Tsivi continues a long family heritage of musical activities. After extensive musical studies in Israel she left for London, where she continues working as composer, player and musical director. Although always open to Jazz, she really started to compose and perform Jazz relatively late in her life. Her Classical training is quite evident in her playing and composing, with clear lines and sophisticated melodies. This debut album is primarily intended as a showcase for her compositions, which are truly remarkable and varied, combining Jazz with both Classical and World (Middle Eastern) music. The album´s track include a septet, a quintet and one trio performances, featuring talented musicians who are most sympathetic as performers of this delicate and often intricate music. Overall this is an excellent debut, which hopefully will be followed by more recordings, as Tsivi surely has a lot to share with her listeners.

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