Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Gia Notte: Shades
Gia Notte: Shades
By"Caravan" opens the album with a sense of intrigue and excitement that comes through in the music. Don Braden, who worked with Notte on her first album, returns for this record and contributes some flute work to this track. After a performance of "Speak Low," Notte's delivery gains a little sass and spunk as she sings "Close Your Eyes" over a comfortable, mid-tempo swing feel. Freddie Hendrix takes the first solo and saxophonist Guy Notte makes his lone album appearance on this track. Pianist Brandon McCune works in a tasty rising chromatic pattern at one point during his solo. "My Funny Valentine" is taken at a brisk tempo but Notte creates some space and stretches things out at the start of phrases to give the piece some elasticity. Bassist Tom DiCarlo and pianist Jason Teborek play a rising-and-falling riff in the background and Braden delivers some soulful saxophone work.
"Since I Fell For You" has a bluesy feel to it and McCune and Braden seem right at home in this atmosphere. Kahlil Kwame Bell provides some percussive seasoning, with subtle shakers and wind chimes coming in and out of the mix, on "The Look of Love." This track is equally soothing and seductive thanks to Braden's flute work and Notte's delicious delivery. "Autumn Leaves" is taken at an extremely slow pace and drummer Cecil Brooks III holds it together with his brushwork. Notte's voice sounds bright and optimistic on "I Wish You Love," while "Lover Come Back To Me" proves to be a high point on the album. Brooks provides some hip New Orleans grooves and Hendrix's trumpet work is fiery and fresh. "It Don't Mean A Thing" begins with a mystical vibe as the band creates a continuous drone-like presence. Notte delivers some deep, earthy vocals in a Cassandra Wilson-esque vein and, once things start to swing, there is a parade of solos with Brooks and DiCarlo finally getting some space to show their stuff. Notte finds a balance between despair and hope as she sings "What'll I Do" and Braden's flute matches her mood as the album draws to a close.
Track Listing
Caravan; Speak Low; Close Your Eyes; My Funny Valentine; Since I Fell For You; The Look Of Love; Love Me Or Leave Me; Autumn Leaves; I Wish You Love; Lover Come Back To Me; It Don't Mean A Thing; What'll I Do.
Personnel
Gia Notte: vocals; Don Braden: tenor saxophone, soprano flute, alto flute; Jason Teborek: piano (2, 4, 6-10, 12); Brandon McCune: piano (1, 3, 5, 11); Tom DiCarlo: bass; Cecil Brooks III: drums; Freddie Hendrix: trumpet and flugelhorn; Guy Notte: alto saxophone (3); Kahlil Kwame Bell: percussion.
Album information
Title: Shades | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Gnote Records
< Previous
The Jerry Garcia Band: Let It Rock