Clairdee: Destination Moon

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: November 1, 1999

From San Francisco, Clairdee brings her rich alto voice and caressing mainstream charm to center stage with support from a superb piano trio. Expressive and unique, the singer’s presentation contains a tinge of Betty Carter’s upbeat way with a melody; particularly on "They Can’t Take That Away From Me," her driving "Destination Moon" and again on the slightly dramatic ballad "Time After Time."

Smooth and upbeat with an intimate quartet arrangement, "Moonglow" sets the tone for the majority of the album. Dmitri Matheny’s flugelhorn adds a touch of trad jazz on "I’ve Got the World on a String," phrasing expressively alongside vocal melodies as our cornet forefathers have done for over a century. Clairdee scats a chorus of "Beautiful Friendship" with ease and only the barest of piano accompaniment. Recommended, Clairdee’s debut album combines musical quality with heart in a lush romantic setting.

Track Listing: When Lights Are Low; Star Eyes; Tonight I Shall Sleep with a Smile on my Face; I

Personnel: Clairdee- vocals; Ken French- piano; John Wiitala- bass; Eddie Marshall- drums; Dmitri Matheny- flugelhorn on "I

Record Label: Declare Music
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream