Search - Carol Sloane, Ken Peplowski, Brad Hatfield :: Dearest Duke

CAROL SLOANE IN AN INTIMATE, JAZZY ELLINGTON SPECTACULAR

RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 08/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Five MARVELOUS Stars!! Legendary jazz singer Carol Sloane's unique, lovely voice is instantly identifiable and on her latest CD she gives a marvelous singing seminar that has familiar and seldom-heard classics by Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn as the focus. Confidently carrying the entire CD, Ms Sloane is in wonderful company backed by an unconventional but totally satisfying duo. The great Ken Peplowski is on clarinet and a 'killer' Hawkins/Webster-influenced tenor sax and the superb Brad Hatfield is on piano. No bass and drum necessary here for these three. If you've never heard Carol, this would be a nice place to meet her precise phrasing, flawless swing, and controlled dynamics, as she and her friends mix up the music and solos to make it fresh.



The 'Pieces De Resistance, the best of the best, begin with Carol casting her spell over "Sophisticated Lady", digging out new meaning from the lyrics as well: The "I see you cry" phrase is poignant. "Mood Indigo" is a breathing, phrasing, and vibrato lesson in itself: just a marvelous performance! Peplowski and Hatfield turn in sterling solos here and elsewhere that further illuminate the music. Peplowski gives a wild clarinet intro to "Rocks In My Bed". My favorite by Carol is "I Didn't Know About You" which is a timeless classic that deserves more attention from the younger crowd of singers. Peplowski and Hatfield give us a scintillating instrumental version of "Serenade to Sweden". A jumping "Just A'Sittin' and A'Rockin' " connects with a loping "All Too Soon" as Carol delivers big again, making the lyrics sound new. Something about how she makes the listener concentrate on her voice, phrasing, and the song's message. Carol and Ken harmonize vocally on a warm, humorous closeout version of "Just Squeeze Me". A huge performance by Carol Sloane, a singer's singer, and her friends that should not be missed. Using Duke's favorite phrase, "Love you madly", Carol. My Highest Recommendation. Five AMAZING Stars.



(This review is based on an iTunes download.)"

A valentine, to Duke, to jazz itself

Rick Cornell | Reno, Nv USA | 01/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Picture this: a piano bar in an upscale dinner club, anywhere, U.S.A. The pianist has been going at it for awhile. The patrons have gotten pleasantly sloshed, and have called out ad nauseum for "Misty," "Feelings," and other such fare.



Suddenly, in walks this singer to join up with the piano player. This singer has a face with so many lines that it can forecast the weather better than the National Weather Service. Her voice sounds like she's blowing rings from the second-hand smoke around her. And in walks a guy with some reeds (a clarinet and a tenor sax), to jam with these two. And they all decide: call is over. It's time to get serious.



And they segue into nothing but Duke Ellington. The greatest jazzman ever, so why ever not? How do they play Sir Duke without bass and drums? Eh, who cares? These guys are musicians. Play with the melody. Play with the rhythm. They don't need no stinkin' bass and drums, anyway.



And as the set goes on, they just get better and better. The improvisation gets freer. That barrelhouse, boogie-woogie accompaniment sounds more and more appropriate. The singer gets more and more ahead of the beat, or behind the beat, or whatever. The object, after all, is to tell a story. A lot of stories. Is it the alcohol, or is it that these guys are actually really, really good?



Having now set the stage, I must say, it's the latter.



This c.d. reminds me of the best of the late, great Shirley Horn. Not the greatest voice in the world, but a nonpareil story-teller. And so is Carol Sloane.



This is a valentine to Duke Ellington, ostensibly; but really, it's a valentine to jazz itself. This is why jazz artists do this. This is why they create. It's not about the money; it's about the art.



I love this c.d., and what it stands for. And if you're one of the few who happens to read this review, I'll wager that you will as well. RC"

Elegant jazz vocals

Steve Sanders | Chicago, IL | 10/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an exquisite album. Carol Sloane's voice is deep and warm, smoky and mature, with a tone and style reminiscent of Rosemary Clooney. Brad Hatfield's lovely, sophisticated piano complements her perfectly."