Kerry Politzer: Yearning

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: September 1, 2001

Her session of originals contains a lovely Brazilian tinge. From the modern mainstream, pianist Kerry Politzer exposes her trio to lively samba rhythms and saucier twists that tug this way and that. Percussive in nature, her keyboard mastery echoes the natural spirit that accompanies street festivals and other celebrations of life. To that formula, Politzer adds pieces, such as "Aardvark," that fuse jazz's modern mainstream with international concepts. A strong classical music education and her jazz concentration at the New England Conservatory have left imprints. The title track soothes as a gentle waltz, featuring Politzer's wordless vocals in unison with Eric Rasmussen's soprano saxophone. Suite-like, the piece moves through distinct phases and includes solos from piano, saxophone, and bass. Pete Smith's acoustic guitar lends a folkloric touch to three numbers. His duet with Politzer on "Revelation" offers a landscape free from rush hour traffic and suitable for your next vacation. This is Politzer's debut CD. Audio samples are available at her web page .

Track Listing: Twist of Samba; Tug of War; A Wish; Revelation; Yearning; Begin the Bai

Personnel: Kerry Politzer- piano, add wordless vocal on "Yearning;" Howard Britz- acoustic bass; Andrea Valentini- drums; Eric Rasmussen- alto saxophone, soprano saxophone; Pete Smith- acoustic guitar.

Record Label: CAP
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream