Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Carolyn Leonhart: New 8th Day

Carolyn Leonhart: New 8th Day

By Michael P. Gladstone
May 17, 2005
Sign in to view read count

This is the second album from singer Carolyn Leonhart, who also worked with the re-formed Steely Dan in the '90s providing harmony vocals. She is also the daughter of veteran bassist/composer and occasional vocalist Jay Leonhart.

The album alternates between originals and standards. Leonhart has a definite edge to her delivery, only letting her guard down on the second, and preferred, half of this album. On the opening original "Noneday," I hear traces of Sheila Jordan in Leonhart's vocal. Her performance is spurred on by tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, who contributes several gritty solos and obbligatos on "Noneday" and the Benny Golson tune "Whisper Not." The latter tune is taken for a more aggressive delivery than we're used to hearing.

Beginning with Billy Strayhorn's "Daydream," including an opening verse, there is a more shaded aspect to her vocals. On "If I Should Lose You," Leonhart wisely plays to the lyricism of words and music and features a long piano solo from Rick Germanson. An original, "Home," Jobim's "Photograph," and a low key "Moonriver" are far more introspective and effective. Strong playing by bassist Hans Glawischnig is another highlight of the album.

Track Listing

Noneday, I'm In The Mood For Love, No Moonlight, Sometimes I Think, Whisper Not, Daydream, If I Should Lose You, Home, Photograph, Moonriver.

Personnel

Carolyn Leonhart,vocals; Wayne Escoffery, tenor sax; Rick Germanson, piano; Hans Glawischnig, bass; Donald Edwards or Jason Brown, drums.

Album information

Title: New 8th Day | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Sunnyside Records

< Previous
Realization

Next >
Seasons of a Life

Comments

Tags

For the Love of Jazz

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.