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Svetlana and the Delancey Five: Night at the Speakeasy
ByMaking concrete their commitment to an earlier "Hot" jazz is the presence of special guest trombonist/vocalist Wycliffe Gordon, who lends his Louis Armstrong voice to "You Won't Be Satisfied" and "Under a Blanket of Blue." As suet partners, Shmulyian and Gordon are well paired, sharing a potent synergy with the band, transforming these old songs into something new and fun. Trumpeter Charlie Caranicas is well-studied in the brass traditions of the period, with pianist Dalton Ridenhour readily providing the connection between the Youmans/Caesar "Tea for Two" and the Beatles' "Because."
Shmulyian prove quite the composer, swinging in the opening "All I Want" and bright and well-scrubbed "Temptations." Shmulyian's voice has good balance and just enough accent to melt the ice cubes in the listeners' scotch and soda. Her most inspired singing is on the Beach Boy's "God Only Knows," which transforms oddly well into a jazz chestnut. Bringing that off alone endorses a listen to the rest of the disc.
Track Listing
All I Want; Just A Sittin’ and a Rockin’; You Won’t be Satisfied; It’s All Good (Big Noise); Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me; Under a Blanket of Blue; Temptations; God Only Knows; Lady Be Good; Because; Dance In Between the Moments; You are Like a Song; Sometimes I’m Happy; Tea for Two.
Personnel
Svetlana Shmulyian: vocals; Adrian Cunningham: woodwinds, vocals (13); Charlie Caranicas: trumpet; Dalton Ridenhour: piano; Vinny Raniolo: guitar (1-4, 6-9, 11- 14); George Delancey: bass; Bob Garcia: drums; Wycliffe Gordon: trombone, vocals (3,6).
Album information
Title: Night at the Speakeasy | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: OA2 Records