Kate Hamann: Momentary Beauty

Up-and-coming trumpeter and vocalist Kate Hamann showcases the full breadth of her talents on her full-length debut, the captivating Momentary Beauty. In addition to deftly leading her band, playing her horns, and singing, Hamann penned all the music that comprises the album. The laid back cadence of the rhythm section, Hamann's own incandescent tones, and saxophonist Jason Arkins' occasional lyrical interjections create the cozy ambience of a languid summer evening.

For instance, "Daydream" opens with guitarist Diego Melgar's resonant strums. Hamman, on flugelhorn, and Arkins, on alto saxophone, state the ethereal theme. Melgar's simmering notes build an intriguing improvisation, setting the stage for Hamann. The latter embellishes the melody with control and exuberant spontaneity. Pianist Angel Perez's cascading keys shimmer like flickering lights within the synergistic ensemble performance. The sextet reprises the main motifs, briefly ushering in the conclusion.

The title track is a moving, bittersweet song which features Hamann's clear and youthful voice, cleverly interwoven into the sextet's haunting sound. Switching to the flugelhorn again, Hamann expands on these melodic ideas as Arkins mirrors her with his plaintive tenor saxophone. Bassist Mike Ramos's reverberating lines, and drummer Max Marsillo's dramatic cymbal splashes enhance the fairy-tale-like atmosphere.

Elsewhere, on the playful "Butterfly," Hamann plays her trumpet with effervescent gusto over the Latinesque beats. Her burnished sound marks her joyful and agile phrases. Melgar deconstructs the tune with muscular chords while Arkins builds off Melgar's extemporization to create something equally unique. Marsillo's reserved solo concludes this charming piece.

Although it does not break any new ground, Momentary Beauty is a confident and delightful album. Hamann demonstrates an artistic maturity which belies her age. Her vocals are pleasant, lovely, and warm. However, her mastery of two horns and her composing are what makes her stand out from the crowd. Hopefully, this is an auspicious start to a promising career.

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