Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » M'Balia: Halfway There

3

M'Balia: Halfway There

By

Sign in to view read count
Track review of "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise"

M'Balia: Halfway There
Halfway There is the debut recording of one Philadelphia- native M'Balia Singley, a talented singer matriculating from Yale with a degree in history and Temple with one in law. That is an embarrassment of riches. But can counselor Singley translate all of this brain power into music? Her life arc had her practicing law and raising a family before returning to music. When she did return, she did so in the company of New York pianist Orrin Evans whose influence on this recording is potently felt in the edge his playing gives these nine disparate performances making up the record.

"Softly, In a Morning Sunrise" (one of the two greatest ballads, along with "The Way You Look Tonight) is a daring piece to apply M'Balia's and Evans' forward musical thinking. The introduction is extended and airy. Evans summons some impressionistic motifs, testing the waters before committing to the performance. Bassist Mike Boone sets up a steady Sade momentum that owes as much to Anita Baker as it does to Frank Sinatra. Evans approaches his solo quietly and with much thought. He is Count Basie-stingy with notes, if the Count had smoke a bowl of opium, having a pipe dream about Bill Evans. M'Balia sings with assertive verve and distinction, transforming this ballad into a groove reverie.

Personnel

M'Balia
vocals

M’Balia Singley: vocals; Orrin Evans: piano, background vocals; Mike Boone: bass; Gene Jackson: drums.

Album information

Title: Halfway There | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Gas

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.
View events near Philadelphia
Jazz Near Philadelphia
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

What Was Happening
Bobby Wellins Quartet
Laugh Ash
Ches Smith
A New Beat
Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

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