Jane Ira Bloom: Sometimes The Magic

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: May 1, 2001

Sweeping right and left past the microphone, Jane Ira Bloom throws sound around the room, as a visual artist would apply paint on canvas. The directional movement provides a unique sound to her work and serves to highlight the feelings she wishes to express. Romantic and refreshing, Bloom's tenth recording as leader features her soprano saxophone with a creative supporting trio. Nine modern mainstream originals and two solo saxophone ballad chestnuts complete a program rich in harmony and somewhat introspective. The quartet leaves ample space for settling impressions, while blues roots and emotions pervade.

"Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" oozes a romantic spirit: passionate and yet subdued. Bloom's "Varo" infuses a lively street samba rhythm with a crisp, festive, percussion framework. "Without Words" stands out as a lovely sax/bass duet that allows the pair to express as one. Most of the session allows for the passing of creative ideas back and forth between the four artists, keeping the mood quiet and making room for quiet contemplation. Bloom's gorgeous saxophone tone and unique method of presentation makes this and her live performances a special treat.

Track Listing: Denver Snap; Now You See It; Bewitched; Blue Poles; Pacific; Truth in Timbre; Without Words; In Everything; Varo; Many Landscapes; How Are Things In Glocca Morra.

Personnel: Jane Ira Bloom- soprano saxophone; Vincent Bourgeyx- piano; Mark Dresser- bass; Bobby Previte- drums.

Record Label: Arabesque Jazz
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream