KAREN LANE - Passarim
33 Records 33JAZZ273
Karen Lane (vocals); Andrea Trillo (drums & vocals); Rob Luft (guitar); Steve Watts (bass); Graham Harvey (piano & Rhodes); Gareth Lockrane (flute)
with Anselmo Netto (percussion); Ricardo Dos Santos (bass); Saskia Horton (violin); Simon McCorry (cello)
Recorded August 2017
I feel that I may be a bit slow off the mark with this one, but this is a truly beautiful album from Karen Lane, and as an accompaniment to Karen celebrating twenty years on the London Jazz scene, the sixtieth anniversary of Bossa Nova, and as an acknowledgement to the sad passing of João Gilberto the father of Bossa Nova, it certainly ticks all the boxes.
Wishing to acknowledge her passion for Brazilian music, and as she describes it, 'the genius of Jobim' in doing so she sings most of these lovely songs in their original Portuguese. It also greatly helps her cause that she has assembled a top class band of like minded musicians who embrace the idiom, lifting the music to even greater heights. Guitarist, Rob Luft and Gareth Lockrane on flute are inspired choices offering perfectly sympathetic accompaniment and well constructed solos almost on demand. Karen's daughter, Saskia, takes a solo on violin on 'Manhà De Carnival' that is beautifully played and thought out with one wishing that she had played on more than just the one track.
By its very nature, the music has a lightness and joy that is both optimistic and uplifting over some superb arrangements. Lane lays down her tender yet not over sweet vocals, and whether singing in English or Portuguese carries the lyric and melody with an emotional depth that ensures she totally owns the songs. Karen's voice captures perfectly the poignancy of Jobim's 'Passarim', which also boasts a fine solo from pianist Graham Harvey. Much to her credit, Karen also avoids any hint of parody or cliché on 'Chega De Saudade' adhering to the original Portuguese lyrics, and a fine 'Estate' in one of two vocal duets with Andrea Trillo.
Because of the empathy of all concerned and the fine arrangements the album is a delight from start to finish that retains a sense of fun and spontaneity . So much s that they even had time at the end of the sessions to lay down an impromptu version of Chick Corea's 'Crystal Silence' with lyrics by Neville Potter that is simply gorgeous, and quite rightfully takes its place on this hugely enjoyable recording.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
33 Records 33JAZZ273
Karen Lane (vocals); Andrea Trillo (drums & vocals); Rob Luft (guitar); Steve Watts (bass); Graham Harvey (piano & Rhodes); Gareth Lockrane (flute)
with Anselmo Netto (percussion); Ricardo Dos Santos (bass); Saskia Horton (violin); Simon McCorry (cello)
Recorded August 2017
I feel that I may be a bit slow off the mark with this one, but this is a truly beautiful album from Karen Lane, and as an accompaniment to Karen celebrating twenty years on the London Jazz scene, the sixtieth anniversary of Bossa Nova, and as an acknowledgement to the sad passing of João Gilberto the father of Bossa Nova, it certainly ticks all the boxes.
Wishing to acknowledge her passion for Brazilian music, and as she describes it, 'the genius of Jobim' in doing so she sings most of these lovely songs in their original Portuguese. It also greatly helps her cause that she has assembled a top class band of like minded musicians who embrace the idiom, lifting the music to even greater heights. Guitarist, Rob Luft and Gareth Lockrane on flute are inspired choices offering perfectly sympathetic accompaniment and well constructed solos almost on demand. Karen's daughter, Saskia, takes a solo on violin on 'Manhà De Carnival' that is beautifully played and thought out with one wishing that she had played on more than just the one track.
By its very nature, the music has a lightness and joy that is both optimistic and uplifting over some superb arrangements. Lane lays down her tender yet not over sweet vocals, and whether singing in English or Portuguese carries the lyric and melody with an emotional depth that ensures she totally owns the songs. Karen's voice captures perfectly the poignancy of Jobim's 'Passarim', which also boasts a fine solo from pianist Graham Harvey. Much to her credit, Karen also avoids any hint of parody or cliché on 'Chega De Saudade' adhering to the original Portuguese lyrics, and a fine 'Estate' in one of two vocal duets with Andrea Trillo.
Because of the empathy of all concerned and the fine arrangements the album is a delight from start to finish that retains a sense of fun and spontaneity . So much s that they even had time at the end of the sessions to lay down an impromptu version of Chick Corea's 'Crystal Silence' with lyrics by Neville Potter that is simply gorgeous, and quite rightfully takes its place on this hugely enjoyable recording.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
