Alma Micic: Introducing Alma (2004)

Michael P. Gladstone

Senior Contributor since 2003

I came out of my musical hibernation circa 1960 and hit the streets for a new education on the past, present and future.

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Published: January 2, 2005

On her début recording, singer Alma Micic presents a program of ten songs from the Great American Songbook or jazz standards with one original and a traditional Montenegrin "Sejdefu Majka Budjase."

Alma Micic has a nice way with a ballad and opens with the Strayhorn/Ellington "Day Dream," then moves on to an up-tempo, non-bossa "Corcovado." She mixes more ballads like "Something to Live For" and "But Beautiful" with swingers like "Yesterdays" and "I Remember You," on which Micic demonstrates a decent scatting ability. The original composition, "That April Day," has traces of the Ellington classic "Chelsea Bridge" and Micic offers a vocal version of Wayne Shorter's "Infant Eyes" with uncredited lyrics.

Of special mention is the piano trio led by Brandon McCune that provides fine support with bassist Sean Conty and drummer Israel Bannerman. McCune demonstrates mastery of block chording in the manner of Red Garland.

Track Listing: Day Dream, Corcovado, Close Your Eyes, Yesterdays, That April Day, Sejdefu Majka Budjase, Infant Eyes, I Remember You, But Beautiful

Personnel: Alma Micic, voice; Brandon McCune,piano; Sean Conly, bass; Israel Bannerman,drums.

Record Label: CTA Records
Style: Vocal