Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Kitty Margolis: Left Coast Life

125

Kitty Margolis: Left Coast Life

By

Sign in to view read count
Kitty Margolis: Left Coast Life
If the major purposes - - or at least some of them - - of a jazz singer are to inject a fresh breath into standards and to make sense of newer material, then San Francisco singer Kitty Margolis sits at the top of the class for achieving these noble goals. The West Coast vocalist is well known for her insightful interpretations of standard and pop material, a reputation she solidly established with her previous three releases for her Mad-Kat label. This latest entry does nothing to diminish her perfect track record nor her reputation. Whether it be the Dorough/Kirk "Devil May Care" or her own "You just Might Get It", with Eric Crystal's surging sax in close support, Margolis energizes with some upbeat romping that will leave the listener gasping. On the flip side of the coin, her seductive way with a ballad is in full force on such cuts as Dave Frishberg's "Heart's Desire" where she gets help from Rick Kuhns' accordion. She gives Nancy Marano's version of this tune a real run for the money. Her emotional range from deep huskiness to bright, eager cute is used to good do on "The Best Is Yet to Come" where not only the song, but also Paul Nagel's piano, get a vigorous workout. Margolis unique phrasing comes into play on "Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year", where her purposeful use of the pause gives this tune an unusual but engaging cadence. Jamie Sieber's cello adds to the richness of the cut. Left Coast Life is a major jazz vocal release and is thoroughly recommended. Visit Kitty at her Internet home at www.kittymargolis.com.

Track Listing

I Want to Be Happy; It's You; You Just Might Get It; Money; Lonely at the Top; Spring Will Be a Little Late This Year; Devil May Care; Without a Song; Heart's Desire; The Best Is Yet to Come; Take It with Me

Personnel

Kitty Margolis - Vocal; Paul Nagel, Jay Wagner - Piano; John Schiflett, Scott Steed - Bass; Jason Lewis - Drums; Eric Crystal - Saxophones; Mike Spiro - Percussion; Steve Erquiaga, Joyce Cooling - Guitar; John Burr - Organ; Rich Kuhns - Accordion; Jamie Sieber - Cello

Album information

Title: Left Coast Life | Year Released: 2001 | Record Label: Mad-Kat

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.