Street Date 02/01/12
Female vocalists working in the jazz genre are a dime a dozen. Liz Childs immediately grabbed my attention and gave me a reason to be excited. Now a former editor would tell me that "stylistic guidelines" dictate they we allow the listener to draw their emotional or artistic conclusions as to the success or failure of a particular work. Fair enough. Taste is subjective. Tone deaf lasts forever.
Liz Childs possesses that rare breed of vocal artistry and swing that can leave you wondering, where have you been all my life? Flawless and soulful phrasing and the ability to turn on a note that hits ground zero on a musical sweet spot that is surrounded my a first call band. On this second release, Childs steps away from her place at the piano to lead a stellar ensemble as they run through some standards, ballads, blues and even putting her tremendous jazz sensibilities on a pair of tunes by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan.
"It Could Happen To You" has Childs making old school new cool with a swinging arrangement by guitarist Ed MacEachen. "Lover" is where Childs shines exceptionally well with her scatting ability that should have other vocalists paying close attention. Normally a singer with a release full of standards is essentially playing it safe but not on Take Flight. From the technically proficient "Lover" to the artistically challenging "Hallelujah" we find Childs more than willing to put her own signature on a tune and take risks that would find a lesser singer working the lounge at the local Holiday Inn Express. "You Don't Know What Love Is" is a slightly blues infused number that showcases her impeccable phrasing and keen sense of lyrical progression. Bassist Dan Fabricatore and drummer Anthony Pinciotti round out a solid and swinging rhythm section and work as the musical glue to bind this impressive release together. Not to simply rest on the works of other artists, Childs and Ed MacEachen contribute the self penned title track "Take Flight" which is a perfect fit in this collection of eclectic yet incredibly accessible tunes that most of us know by heart.
Liz Childs can swing with the best of them! Childs put her artistry on full display with literal perfection. An impressive vocal master class that simply leaves you longing for more.
5 stars!
Tracks: It Could Happen To You; Dindi; Lover; Baby All The Time; Just One Of Those Things; Hallelujah; Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise; You Don't Know What Love Is; Meditation; Bad Luck Card; Bluesette; Estate; Take Flight; I'll Be Your Baby Tonight; Baby, Don't Quit Now; Famous Blue Raincoat; You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To.
Personnel: Liz Childs: vocals; Ed MacEachen: guitar; Dan Fabricatore; Anthony Pinciotti: drums.
