Sarah Morrow: American All-Stars in Paris (2005)

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.

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Published: September 20, 2005

Sarah Morrow: American All-Stars in Paris

Backed by a hot jazz ensemble from Paris, trombonist Sarah Morrow steps out with a firm grasp of the situation. She and her band swing hard, creatively interpreting these standard tunes. Her solo trombone voice, alongside those of tenor giant Hal Singer and organist Rhoda Scott, results in a hearty party that could last all night long.

"Blue Monk" receives a down and dirty blues texture that oozes with deep passion. "Honeysuckle Rose" wails with a light swing that lifts the session's mood and yearns for jitterbug dancing shoes. "I've Got it Bad and That Ain't Good" swings lightly with a gentle mood, while "Work Song" buzzes with punctuated authority.

"Love for Sale" isn't as convincing. With this tried and true melody, the band forces its presence awkwardly. The players are not together, and they seem to be just going through the motions. Hal Singer's searing tenor solo, however, packs a powerful emotional wallop. He gives this classic song its due.

Morrow, Singer, and Scott each solo with authority, but at different times. Each seems to have a favorite song, where the proof is in the interpretation. Were they to agree on a particular selection, the result would be overwhelming.

Track Listing: And the Angels Sing; All Star Boogie; Blue Monk; Work Song; You've Changed; Sweet and Lovely; Simone; Love for Sale; I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good; Honeysuckle Rose.

Personnel: Sarah Morrow: trombone; Hal Singer: tenor saxophone; Rhoda Scott: organ; Wayne Dockery, Peter Giron: bass; John Betsch, Jeff Boudreaux: drums.

Record Label: O+ Music
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream