Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Amanda Carr: Tender Trap

157

Amanda Carr: Tender Trap

By

Sign in to view read count
Amanda Carr: Tender Trap
Amanda Carr is a Boston-based jazz vocalist who performs at Foxwoods Casino and Fleet Center and sings the national anthem at Fenway Park. She has two earlier albums, has worked with the Benny Goodman Tribute Orchestra and the Artie Shaw Band, and headlined the Euro Jazz Festival in San Giorgio, Italy.

This outing finds Carr with the John Wilkins Trio, further assisted by several reedmen and trumpeters throughout the album. The thirteen tunes are very well-chosen, with a good eye on just the right touch, mixing the known items from the Great American Songbook with some obscurities. "That Old Devil Moon" and Jobim's "No More Blues" are probably the best known.

Carr begins with the highly underappreciated "Never Will I Marry," from a 1960 Frank Loesser musical. She visits Rodgers and Hart's "Do It The Hard Way," which reminded me of Chet Baker's Riverside version from the late '50s. Likewise, she includes a nicely turned version of the Billie Holiday-associated "Foolin' Myself" and the upbeat Ellington "Tulip or Turnip." More and more, jazz singers seem determined to present their versions of Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away," and Carr doesn't disappoint with her take on the tune.

The supporting trio does quite well, guitarist John Wilkins providing both comping and fills with effective rhythm support from bassist Bronek Suchanek and drummer Kenny Hadley. Per a rather complex schedule, there is also support from three saxophonists, including the regarded Dick Johnson on clarinet and alto sax, Arnie Krakowsky and Jerry Vejmola on tenor sax, plus Rick Hammett on trumpet on eight songs. Their respective solos provide a lift on the up-tempo selections and add to the mood of the ballads. Other than the brassy sound towards the end of "Never Will I Marry," I enjoyed Tender Trap and look forward to Amanda Carr's next venture.

Track Listing

Never Will I Marry, (Love Is)The Tender Trap, I'll Close My Eyes, Do It The Hard Way, What We Were Asking For, Tulip Or Turnip, I'll Never Be The Same, That Old Devil Moon, Throw It Away, I Couldn't Live Without You, Foolin' Myself, What Am I Here For, No More Blues(Chega de Saudade).

Personnel

Amanda Carr
vocals

Amanda Carr,vocals; John Wilkins,guitar; Kenny Hadley,drums; Bronck Suchanek, bass with Dick Johnson, clarinet, alto sax (What Am I Here For, Do It The Hard Way); Rick Hammett, trumpet (Throw It Away, Foolin' Myself); Arnie Krakowsky, tenor sax (Tulip or Turnip, I'll Close My Eyes); Ernie Santosuosso, gong (Throw It Away), Jerry Vejmola, tenor sax (Never Will I Marry)

Album information

Title: Tender Trap | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: Original Music Services

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Fiesta at Caroga
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective
Fellowship
David Gibson
Immense Blue
Olie Brice / Rachel Musson / Mark Sanders

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.