Pastiche: Pastiche

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, 2001

Their cool finger snaps and distinctive melodic air recalls Manhattan Transfer. Jazz singers Sandy Cressman, Jenny Meltzer and Becky West blend in perfect harmony to interpret their program of originals and familiar tunes. Surrounded by tasteful instrumental accompaniment, this San Francisco trio honors jazz and pop tradition. The Beatles' "Blackbird" appears as the original – there's a lot of attention to pure harmony in that song. Cressman's composition, "When the Night," is presented as an a cappella arrangement. The beauty of their vocal collaboration is lasting. Gospel and folk moods weave in and out. Meltzer's original, "Remember That," takes on a Caribbean tone that puts your mind on vacation in the sun and the sand. "Destination Drive" adheres to a bluesy, smooth jazz scene. Designed to showcase the trio's clear vocal interaction, the arrangements also include instrumental interludes by Greg Smith, Jeff Massanari, Ricardo Peixoto, Michael Wolff and Norbert Stachel. This is Pastiche's third recording. Offering something for everyone, their program is a winner.

Track Listing: Don't Lose Your Cool; Whatever It Takes; When Will There Be; You Hit the Spot; Only Love; Late Date; Remember That; Waiting on the Day; Destination Drive; Blackbird; When the Night.

Personnel: Sandy Cressman, Jenny Meltzer, Becky West- vocals; Nic. tenBroek- trombone, keyboards; Jeff Cressman- trombone; Bill Ortiz- trumpet; Greg Smith- baritone saxophone; Bob Johnson- alto saxophone; Norbert Stachel- baritone saxophone, tenor saxophone; Ed Harris, Jeff Massanari, Ricardo Peixoto- guitar; Marcos Silva- keyboards; Michael Wolff- piano; Peter Barshay, David Belove- bass; Bob Harsen, Bill Severance, Celso Alberti, Vince Lateano, Paul van Wageningen- drums; Ed Smith- drum loop; Michael Spiro- percussion, drum loop; Cassio Duarte- percussion.

Style: Vocal