SARA OSCHLAG QUINTET
– My Little Boat
Available from www.sarasingsjazz.com
Sara Oschlag (vocals); Ian Price (tenor saxophone, flute); Mark Edwards (piano); Dan Sheppard (bass); Dave Trigwell (drums)
No recording date given
Singers quite often find themselves getting a bit of a rare deal. If they perform original material the complaint is that the songs are not known and there is nothing to compare it with, and if they choose the standard repertoire then the material is either classed a hackneyed or they are judged against the greats that came before them. A case of damned if they do, and damned if they don’t.
This predicament, however, does not deter Sara Oschlag in this album of standards that are all impeccably performed in a manner that is simultaneously invigorating and refreshing. A new name to me, Danish born and brighten based Oschlag has been causing quite a stir on the local scene, and it is hoped that this CD will serve to cast her net a little wider and bring her the attention that her talent deserves.
She tackles a set of ten jazz standards and tunes from the Great American Songbook with a delivery that is free from cliché and highly individual, bringing a turn of phrase that is often delightfully unexpected. She swings mightily on the opening ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’, and takes on Monk’s ‘Monk’s Dream’ with plenty of sass and wit. ‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most’ is given a somewhat surprising, but wholly successful Latin treatment; whilst her ballad performance on ‘This Is Always’ is sumptuous. To cap it all, she has the front to take on not one, but two Billy Strayhorn numbers with ‘Blood Count’ and ‘Lush Life’, acquitting herself with honours on both.
Not content in taking on some big songs, Sara also pits her wits against a superb band who are flawless from start to finish. Pianist, Mark Edwards I recall hearing with drummer Tommy Chase’s band a number of years ago, and here he is a sensitive accompanist and no slouch in his solos. Equally impressive is tenorist, Ian Price whose solos bring an additional depth and dimension to proceedings. Check out his powerhouse solo on ‘Thousand Eyes’ and fleeting quote from Charlie Parker!
All in all a fine release that repays attentive listening.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Available from www.sarasingsjazz.com
Sara Oschlag (vocals); Ian Price (tenor saxophone, flute); Mark Edwards (piano); Dan Sheppard (bass); Dave Trigwell (drums)
No recording date given
Singers quite often find themselves getting a bit of a rare deal. If they perform original material the complaint is that the songs are not known and there is nothing to compare it with, and if they choose the standard repertoire then the material is either classed a hackneyed or they are judged against the greats that came before them. A case of damned if they do, and damned if they don’t.
This predicament, however, does not deter Sara Oschlag in this album of standards that are all impeccably performed in a manner that is simultaneously invigorating and refreshing. A new name to me, Danish born and brighten based Oschlag has been causing quite a stir on the local scene, and it is hoped that this CD will serve to cast her net a little wider and bring her the attention that her talent deserves.
She tackles a set of ten jazz standards and tunes from the Great American Songbook with a delivery that is free from cliché and highly individual, bringing a turn of phrase that is often delightfully unexpected. She swings mightily on the opening ‘The Night Has A Thousand Eyes’, and takes on Monk’s ‘Monk’s Dream’ with plenty of sass and wit. ‘Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most’ is given a somewhat surprising, but wholly successful Latin treatment; whilst her ballad performance on ‘This Is Always’ is sumptuous. To cap it all, she has the front to take on not one, but two Billy Strayhorn numbers with ‘Blood Count’ and ‘Lush Life’, acquitting herself with honours on both.
Not content in taking on some big songs, Sara also pits her wits against a superb band who are flawless from start to finish. Pianist, Mark Edwards I recall hearing with drummer Tommy Chase’s band a number of years ago, and here he is a sensitive accompanist and no slouch in his solos. Equally impressive is tenorist, Ian Price whose solos bring an additional depth and dimension to proceedings. Check out his powerhouse solo on ‘Thousand Eyes’ and fleeting quote from Charlie Parker!
All in all a fine release that repays attentive listening.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
