IRA HILL - Tomorrow
Ira Hill Music 001
Ira Hill (vcl) John Proulx (pno) Kevin Axt (bs) Dave Tull (drs) Craig Fundyga (vbs) Doug Webb (sax's) Alex Acuna (perc) Ramon Stagnaro (gtr) Cheryl Bentyne ( support vcl)
Although spending his early years in Bakersfield, California up and coming 19 year old singer Ira Hill now works out of Phoenix but spends much of his time gigging in clubs around the Los Angeles area. Influenced by the ex Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland, he found his "lucky break" at a jazz workshop where he met Cheryl Bentene of The Manhatten Transfer. So impressed was she by his style and promise that she immediately arranged the studio time and accompanying musicians to produce this his debut recording.
He has a great sense of swing and wide tonal coverage within a flexible delivery touching on vocalese at times. The septet are tight and supportive with ex Weather Report percussionist Alex Acuna the driving force on two tracks and John Proulx's piano outstanding throughout. The set list itself is inspired and showcases all facets of the vocalists talents. Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" is taken in a bright and engaging way by the singer who leaves welcome space for telling contributions from the piano and Doug Webb's soprano saxophone. Not every single one of the ten tracks are fully convincing, one would not expect that at this stage of a career. Having said that there are at least three absolute gems. Brund Martino's "Estate" (Summer) has been recorded by most of the great jazz vocalist's but this version where the lyric is shared between Italian and English stands with the best. The delivery is laid back at an easy relaxed tempo, delivering it's message perfectly. "Minuano", a superb Pat Metheny composition from his Still Life Talking album is a great vehicle for the vocalese style and shows the singer at his most comfortable. "My Funny Valentine", here in a quartet version, can trip up many experienced artists but on this occasion with pulsing double bass and thoughtful piano in support the well known lyric is delivered with great aplomb.
It is possible that with the right choice of management and good exposure that this young jazz singer could go a very long way.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
Ira Hill Music 001
Ira Hill (vcl) John Proulx (pno) Kevin Axt (bs) Dave Tull (drs) Craig Fundyga (vbs) Doug Webb (sax's) Alex Acuna (perc) Ramon Stagnaro (gtr) Cheryl Bentyne ( support vcl)
Although spending his early years in Bakersfield, California up and coming 19 year old singer Ira Hill now works out of Phoenix but spends much of his time gigging in clubs around the Los Angeles area. Influenced by the ex Basie vocalist Dennis Rowland, he found his "lucky break" at a jazz workshop where he met Cheryl Bentene of The Manhatten Transfer. So impressed was she by his style and promise that she immediately arranged the studio time and accompanying musicians to produce this his debut recording.
He has a great sense of swing and wide tonal coverage within a flexible delivery touching on vocalese at times. The septet are tight and supportive with ex Weather Report percussionist Alex Acuna the driving force on two tracks and John Proulx's piano outstanding throughout. The set list itself is inspired and showcases all facets of the vocalists talents. Mongo Santamaria's "Afro Blue" is taken in a bright and engaging way by the singer who leaves welcome space for telling contributions from the piano and Doug Webb's soprano saxophone. Not every single one of the ten tracks are fully convincing, one would not expect that at this stage of a career. Having said that there are at least three absolute gems. Brund Martino's "Estate" (Summer) has been recorded by most of the great jazz vocalist's but this version where the lyric is shared between Italian and English stands with the best. The delivery is laid back at an easy relaxed tempo, delivering it's message perfectly. "Minuano", a superb Pat Metheny composition from his Still Life Talking album is a great vehicle for the vocalese style and shows the singer at his most comfortable. "My Funny Valentine", here in a quartet version, can trip up many experienced artists but on this occasion with pulsing double bass and thoughtful piano in support the well known lyric is delivered with great aplomb.
It is possible that with the right choice of management and good exposure that this young jazz singer could go a very long way.
Reviewed by Jim Burlong
