Camille Thurman: Inside The Moment

As a first call saxophonist and vocalist, Camille Thurman has appeared as guest accompanist on so many albums and performances by acclaimed artists, it's hard to imagine where she found the time for Inside The Moment . Having released both Origins and Spirit Child back to back in 2014, and as the recipient of prestigious awards for her musical talents, Thurman has been steadily adding to her impressive resume; this live set proving why and how she is one of the shining stars on the current jazz scene.

Offering the listener an in-depth aural experience, this was recorded at the Rockwood Music Hall, in New York City, utilizing Chesky Records' exclusive Binaural Head (one microphone) recording system. Working with just a quartet, Thurman offers a varied set that highlights her musical duality as a saxophonist and vocalist, augmented by her inherent sense of improvisation.

Leading off with the assertive drumming of Billy Drummond, "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes," is an upbeat vehicle for Thurman to demonstrate her impeccable technique and tone on the tenor sax. Guitarist Mark Whitfield is allowed ample time for individual expression, while Ben Allison holds steady on the bass. She steps into her vocalist persona with "Sassy's Blues," a Sarah Vaughan, Thad Jones composition that outlines the direct lineage between herself and Vaughan, in term of scatting and singing styles. Allison shines on an extended bass solo on this track, providing a low end cushion for the vocal.

The influential guitarist Wes Montgomery is covered on "Road Song," Whitfield and Thurman re- interpreting the well-known arrangement, offering novel approaches on the familiar melody line. The Vaughan vocal connection is reexamined with the delicate ballad "Detour Ahead," while the instrumental "Nefertiti," composed by Miles Davis, is slightly accelerated and everyone is given a chance to stretch out due to a comfortable length in time and space. She returns to center stage with her sax on Billy Strayhorn's "Flower Is A Lovesome Thing," revealing her capability to convey the proper mood and emotion the song requires, while drawing inspiration from Dexter Gordon. The renowned standard "Cherokee," is a swinging, yet subdued bass and vocal duet, as the repertoire eases into conclusion.

Though Camille Thurman is also recognized as a composer, as well as for her saxophone and vocal talents, on this project she opted for covering the vast jazz songbook. Acknowledged for her high level contribution with acts ranging from pop to neo-soul, Thurman is portrayed here in her first and true calling, jazz. Her teaming up with Chesky has provided an innovative opportunity for appreciation of an exclusive performance, where both sound and artistic quality is outstanding, and a delight for audiophiles and jazz aficionados alike.