CD/LP/Track Review
Olivia Revueltas: 'Round Midnight in L.A.
Perhaps it is too easy to be complacent and live on the safe side, such as investing stocks and bonds in well established companies, and listening to elevator jazz for background music while working on the computer at the office. However, true jazz has an greater purpose — to make the listener feel aural nourishment and participate in the listening experience like a daring adventure. Revueltas is such a jazz musician, and although new to the U.S. (sans her hometown of San Antonio and her birthplace of Mexico, where she had a jazz radio show), she has been silent on wax or CD until now.
Like many jazz artists, she was influenced by John Coltrane, but instead of dwelling on Trane worship, she takes some of his muscial elements, pouring them with generous doses of passion. The selections run the gamut from Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, and Thelonius Monk to self penned pieces. "Winter Song in Mexico City," is a perfect venue for the rhythm mastery of long time Los Angeles resident Billy Higgins set against Revueltas' portrait painting of life down south in the latter months. Its theme has the substance of acoustic Chick Corea neatly set against the ending of the Coltrane signature theme, "A Love Supreme.".
Tehnically, Revuelta attacks the keys with sure intensity, puncuating every note as if each were of utmost importance. She definitely deserves airplay, and more importantly should land spots at jazz festivals around the country.
Track Listing: 'Round About Midnight Winter Song in Mexico city (J. Surman/O. Revueltas) Naima Act O'Clock Rock (Duke Ellington) Why? Pee Wee What Is This Thing Called Love?
Personnel: Olivia Revueltas: piano; Robert Miranda: bass; Billy Higgins: drums; W.R.Simcock: Producer
Record Label: Olivia Revueltas | Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream
