Mika Stoltzman: If You Believe
ByThe Japanese-born, New York-based Stoltzman isn't necessarily a jazz artist, as she's pitched her tent in various musical camps over the years, but she's one hell of a musician regardless of the stylistic tag(s) thrust upon her. Stoltzman made a name for herself in minimalist circles by appearing on Steve Reich: Triple Quartet (Nonesuch, 2001), and she turned some heads in the classical world by working with her husbandclarinet icon Richard Stoltzmanbut none of that defines her. Mika Stoltzman is beyond category, to use Duke Ellington's signature compliment, and she proves it here.
Stoltzman is joined by a stellar cast, including album producer/drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Eddie Gomez and her clarinet-toting husband, on a diverse program of music that was written or arranged expressly for her. In tackling this music, she moves through different corners of the world, from Brazil ("BECO") to Ireland ("Irish Spirit"), and explores various moods, from the funereal ("Pavane") to the cheery ("Cantabile"). She also gets down and dirty ("Funky Little Fugue"), adds a dose of tropicalia to the mix ("The Last Mojitos"), and makes her mark in intriguing realms ("Marika Groove").
Stoltzman proves time and again that she's a brilliantly borderless artist, but she's hardly the only game in town on this album. Her husband comes close to eclipsing her, as he melts the heart on the "Ballad" section of "Irish Spirit" and struts along on "The Last Mojitos," Gomez and guitarist John Tropea each get a few opportunities to step into the spotlight, and the GaddsSteve and Dukeboth do a fine job behind the kit. The presence of the Harlem String Quartet on a few tracks is the icing on the cake here, adding yet another dimension to this oh-so-unique album from this one-of-a-kind musician.
Track Listing
Mikalypso; Funky Little Fugue; BECO; La Fiesta; Irish Spirit: Ballad/Celebration Dance; Sambata; Jubilation; The Last Mojitos; Marika Groove; Cantabile; Pavane; Crazy Marimba.
Personnel
Mika Stolzman: marimba; Steve Gadd: drums (1, 4, 5, 7-10, 12), congas (3), percussion (4, 8); Richard Stolzman: clarinet (2-5, 8-11); John Tropea: guitar (2, 3, 6, 8, 10); Eddie Gomez: bass (2-4, 6-10); Duke Gadd: drums (2, 3, 6, 8), percussion (8); Harlem String Quartet (1, 4, 7).
Album information
Title: If You Believe | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Self Produced
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Instrument: Vibraphone
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