Ren: Serene Renegade (2004)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: October 11, 2004

Modern jazz appeals to those who love spontaneity. As René Marie embraces intuitive poetry and heartfelt memories, she applies a personal touch. Her wordless vocals and lyric interpretations give every performance an improviser's cloak. Interwoven with a mystique, her session can mesmerize an audience in minutes. But it's her fresh spontaneity that makes each performance so rapturous. Emotions are bared, strong links are forged between singer and listener, and Marie gives her audience a performance to remember.

"A Hard Day's Night" gets a coat of blue. Singer and piano trio place this one in an intimate corner of your local nightspot, late at night, when it's time to unwind. "Lover Man" stops dead in its tracks. Slow and meaningful, with an exotic tango mood prevailing, Marie turns this one into an intimate conversation. She's convincing. "Little Girl" waltzes merrily in a confession of inner thoughts that relate to all. Just take a look inside, and you realize that she's reminiscing about the feelings we all harbor deep inside. The final two originals of the session drive forcefully, combining the drama of theater with the spontaneity of modern jazz. René Marie has a story to tell, and she does so with authority. Recommended, Serene Renegade offers a sincere message for all.

Audio samples may be found at the label's web site .

Track Listing: Red Shoes; The South is Mine; Autobiography; Wishes; Pause; Hard Day's Night; Lover Man; Many Years Ago; Little Girl; Rufast Daliarg; Ode to a Flower.

Personnel: Ren

Record Label: MAXJAZZ
Style: Vocal