TIFFANY AUSTIN - Nothing But Soul
Con Alma Music CAM001
Tiffany Austin (vocals); Howard Wiley (tenor saxophone, vocals); Glen Pearson (piano); Ron Belcher (bass); Sly Randolph (drums)
This is an impressive debut from the young vocalist Tiffany Austin, in a programme that is predominantly made up of music that is composed by or associated with Hoagy Carmichael. In approaching this music she has brought a number of diverse but often overlapping elements of R&B, hip hop and the blues. In doing so she has brought a fresh and contemporary feel to the material, although it must be said that the album as a whole it not without it's flaws.
Based in North California, Austin spent five years in Japan as a singer before moving back to the US to study law. It was during these studies that she was awarded a full scholarship to the California Jazz Conservatory,which was formerly know as the Jazzschool. The years spent away form the States and the study put in since her return have paid off handsomely, and she sings with a light toned delivery that is full of warmth and expression.
Of the material tackled here 'I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful)' swings hard with a superb piano solo from Glen Pearson. The rapport between singer and pianist is again to the fore in the duet reading of 'I Get Along Without You Very Well' in which Austin excels in nwhat is probably the high point of the set. Equally fine is another duet, this time with bassist, Ron Belcher, on 'Sing Me A Swing Song (And Let Me Dance)', and the unlikely version of Johnny Cash's 'I Walk The Line' is a lot of fun.
The flaws I mentioned earlier, to be fair, are not in respect of Ms Austin's performance, but rather that she is let down by her accompanying musicians. Tenorist, Howard Willey exhibits a most unpleasant tone at times which he is unable to redeem with the quality of his solos, and drummer Sly Randolph comes across as rather stiff and unrelenting and does not allow the music to relax and flow in a manner that Austin is clearly capable of and that would have enhanced the overall performance considerably.
If I ended this review somewhat less than favourably, it is to be hoped that Tiffany Austin continues to grow and develop as her vocals here reveal a talent to be watched, and I for one look forward to her second album with the right supporting cast.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
Con Alma Music CAM001
Tiffany Austin (vocals); Howard Wiley (tenor saxophone, vocals); Glen Pearson (piano); Ron Belcher (bass); Sly Randolph (drums)
This is an impressive debut from the young vocalist Tiffany Austin, in a programme that is predominantly made up of music that is composed by or associated with Hoagy Carmichael. In approaching this music she has brought a number of diverse but often overlapping elements of R&B, hip hop and the blues. In doing so she has brought a fresh and contemporary feel to the material, although it must be said that the album as a whole it not without it's flaws.
Based in North California, Austin spent five years in Japan as a singer before moving back to the US to study law. It was during these studies that she was awarded a full scholarship to the California Jazz Conservatory,which was formerly know as the Jazzschool. The years spent away form the States and the study put in since her return have paid off handsomely, and she sings with a light toned delivery that is full of warmth and expression.
Of the material tackled here 'I May Be Wrong (But I Think You're Wonderful)' swings hard with a superb piano solo from Glen Pearson. The rapport between singer and pianist is again to the fore in the duet reading of 'I Get Along Without You Very Well' in which Austin excels in nwhat is probably the high point of the set. Equally fine is another duet, this time with bassist, Ron Belcher, on 'Sing Me A Swing Song (And Let Me Dance)', and the unlikely version of Johnny Cash's 'I Walk The Line' is a lot of fun.
The flaws I mentioned earlier, to be fair, are not in respect of Ms Austin's performance, but rather that she is let down by her accompanying musicians. Tenorist, Howard Willey exhibits a most unpleasant tone at times which he is unable to redeem with the quality of his solos, and drummer Sly Randolph comes across as rather stiff and unrelenting and does not allow the music to relax and flow in a manner that Austin is clearly capable of and that would have enhanced the overall performance considerably.
If I ended this review somewhat less than favourably, it is to be hoped that Tiffany Austin continues to grow and develop as her vocals here reveal a talent to be watched, and I for one look forward to her second album with the right supporting cast.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
