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M'Balia: Halfway There
By Track review of "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise""Softly, In a Morning Sunrise" (one of the two greatest ballads, along with "The Way You Look Tonight) is a daring piece to apply M'Balia's and Evans' forward musical thinking. The introduction is extended and airy. Evans summons some impressionistic motifs, testing the waters before committing to the performance. Bassist Mike Boone sets up a steady Sade momentum that owes as much to Anita Baker as it does to Frank Sinatra. Evans approaches his solo quietly and with much thought. He is Count Basie-stingy with notes, if the Count had smoke a bowl of opium, having a pipe dream about Bill Evans. M'Balia sings with assertive verve and distinction, transforming this ballad into a groove reverie.
Personnel
M'Balia
vocalsM’Balia Singley: vocals; Orrin Evans: piano, background vocals; Mike Boone: bass; Gene Jackson: drums.
Album information
Title: Halfway There | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Gas
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Halfway There