Ann Dyer: Revolver: A New Spin

By

JIM SANTELLA,

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: March 1, 2000

Ann Dyer – Revolver: A New Spin (Premonition) [] Recorded March 2-4, 1999 at The Hut in Berkeley, CA (50:19) 2000 release Label this one in the Fringes section. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote quite a few songs that have been of interest to jazz lovers. Ann Dyer’s album doesn’t stop there. Rather, her appeal is toward a wider audience. One that may or may not remember the Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver. Scheduled for release by Premonition Records later this month, Dyer’s Revolver: A New Spin presents the Beatles’ songs in many flavors. Dyer’s vocal style is strong and confident. She interprets pop songs with a unique pop delivery and leaves things that way. While Dyer’s reworking of these classic songs appears fresh and open, jazz is not a major factor.

"Eleanor Rigby" provides a noticeably solid workout for Dyer’s ensemble. She interprets the lyrics clearly while her band echoes the mood. Peter Apfelbaum supports Dyer quite well and provides a deep, dark, delicious interlude with kicks. "Tomorrow Never Knows" tosses Hindustani sheets of sound at the listener while Dyer chants dreamily. While Rob Burger’s accordion offers a unique timbre - including both French and Cajun mood swings- to the session, the remainder of Dyer’s album presents itself as pop music with shades of country, R&B, bluegrass and Cajun music for a very wide audience.

Track Listing: She Said She Said; Good Day Sunshine; Eleanor Rigby; For No One; Taxman; I

Personnel: Ann Dyer- vocals; Rob Burger- accordion; Carla Kihlstedt- violin; Jeff Buenz- electric and acoustic guitars; John Shifflett- electric and acoustic bass; Jason Lewis- trap drums, tabla; Peter Apfelbaum- tenor saxophone on "Eleanor Rigby," "Rain" and "Tomorrow Never Knows;" Hafez Modirzadeh- karna on "Tomorrow Never Knows," tenor saxophone on "I Want to Tell You;" Rob Vlack, E. Blake Davis- additional guitars on "Taxman."

Record Label: Premonition Records | Style: Fringes of Jazz