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Cynthia Felton: Freedom Jazz Dance
ByWhile she bookends the album with a glorious, gospel-tinged a cappella miniature ("Oh Freedom) and an Eddie Harris classic ("Freedom Jazz Dance") that give this record thematic borders, the material in between is far-ranging and non-formulaic in selection. Felton slowly works wonders on "My Funny Valentine," which opens on trumpeter Wallace Roney's horn and features Robert Hurst's arco bass work, and she proves equally capable in the up-tempo territory of "Cherokee." Elsewhere, she imbues "Lost In The Stars" with Sunday morning spirit, scats up a storm on "Take 5" and "Close Your Eyes," and sings over the undulating music of "Nature Boy" with class and style.
Felton's patchwork assembly of musicians for her albums flies in the face of the use-a-single-tight-unit ideal that's so prominent in jazz, but she's made it work beautifully on all three records; in fact, the variety of personalities actually enhances the overall experience. Felton pairs the players with the songs that suit them best, making for a tailor-made outing for all involved. Pianist Cyrus Chestnut, for example, delivers his patented tremolo-based soloing ("Better Than Anything") when needed, but Felton turns to John Beasley, Patrice Rushen and Donald Brown when she's looking for something else. With five bassists, four pianists, three drummers and a variety of other personnel on hand, the possibilities are endless and Felton finds the right fit on each and every tune.
Felton is now three-for-three with the release of Freedom Jazz Dance, a fine addition to her discography and an excellent showcase for her voice, which lives at the crossroads of pure jazz, soul, R&B and gospel music.
Track Listing
Oh Freedom; Take 5; My Funny Valentine; Better Than Anything; My Love Is; Duke Ellington's Sound Of Love; Close Your Eyes; Nature Boy; Lost In The Stars; Cherokee; What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life; Freedom Jazz Dance.
Personnel
Cynthia Felton
vocalsCynthia Felton: vocals; John Beasley: piano (2, 6, 9-12); Donald Brown: piano (3); Cyrus Chestnut: piano (4, 7); Patrice Rushen: piano (8); Edwin Livingston: bass (2, 6, 9-11); Robert Hurst: bass (3, 4, 7); John B. Williams: bass (5); Tony Dumas: bass (8); Ryan Cross: bass (12); Lorca Hart: drums (2, 5, 6, 9-12); Yoron Israel: drums (3, 4, 7); Terri Lyne Carrington: drums (8); Ronald Muldrow: guitar (3, 7); Ernie Watts: tenor saxophone (2); Wallace Roney: trumpet (3); Nolan Shaheed: trumpet (4, 10); Derf Reklaw: percussion (2, 4); Munyoungo Jackson: percussion (5, 8); Carol Robbins: harp (9).
Album information
Title: Freedom Jazz Dance | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Self Produced
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