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SARI KESSLER - Do Right
 
Ruby Street Music

Sari Kessler ( vocals ) Ron Affif ( gtr ) John Di Martino ( pno ) Steve Whipple ( bass ) Willard Dyson
( drs ) James Shipp ( perc ) on tracks 1, 5, 7 & 9 Houston Person ( tnr ) on tracks 2, 3 & 10 Nadie Nourdhuis ( tpt  / fl. Horn ) on tracks 1, 5 & 7
Recorded New Jersey, 2016

Sari Kessler gave up her career as a clinical psychologist and marathon runner to enter the unstable world of a jazz singer, she must have had a great deal of self believe to make that momentous decision.
The question now is has she made the right decision, has she got the necessary talent and resolve to make it this competitive environment?

Sari Kessler has gathered together a nucleus of fine players to provide her with sympathetic support and has on three tracks engaged the services of the outstanding tenor player Houston Person.

The opening track “Walk On By” was something of a hit for a certain singer a number of years ago but Sari Kessler’s version is far enough removed from that recording to considered it in a different light.

“Why Don’t You Right” opens with Houston Person’s highly infectious tenor and the vocal has a strong swing which makes a good alternative version of the song.

A refreshing laid back treatment to the Nat King Cole classic “The Frim Fram Sauce is commendable and she is greatly assisted by the rhythm section , the piano solo byJohn Di Martino is a gem.

Sari Kessler’s own composition “My Empty Bed Blues” is opened with the warm tenor of Houston Person who also contributes an immaculate solo. This track alone  brings to the fore Sari Kessler’s jazz credentials.
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Sari Kessler has made a creditable start to her recording career, having come up with a slightly different approach to a number of well known standards she has demonstrated an off centre vision of the way forward. Having said that the music world particularly the jazz and near singers are numerous particularly on the female side and she won’t be in for an easy ride but I wish her well.

Reviewed by Roy Booth

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ECM celebrates 50 years of music production with the Touchstones series of re-issues