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Gabriela Martina: No White Shoes
ByJiri Nedoma. The title tune is a funk-tinged celebration of artistic independence.
Martina goes back to her jazz roots with two covers, each a radical reinterpretation. Wayne Shorter's "Witch Hunt"originally on Speak No Evil (Blue Note, 1965)is re-imagined as an acapella choral piece, with Martina overdubbing all of the parts. It's performed at a much slower tempo, and the theme isn't stated explicitly until a ways into the track. Dizzy Gillespie's "A Night in Tunisia" starts out with a modern rhythm, but later ventures into bebop swing territory, as well as featuring another overdriven guitar solo from Reijonen. The closing track "Thirsty Flower" slows things down with an atmospheric vocalise, also featuring a soprano sax solo from guest Andrew Halchak.
An impressive debut. Martina has a contemporary soundsimilar to artists like Gretchen Parlato or even Norah Jonesbut with more emphasis on her own songwriting. It's a potent blend of jazz and pop, stamped with her own personality and aided by a strong backing band.
Track Listing
Narcissus (2012 version); On My Way; Love Me; Origin; Us; No White Shoes; Witch Hunt; A Night in Tunisia; Thirsty Flower.
Personnel
Gabriela Martina
vocalsGabriela Martina: voice; Alex Bailey: drums; Kyle Miles: bass; Jiri Nedoma: piano; Jussi Reijonen: guitar; Andrew Halchak: soprano saxophone (guest); Tareq Rantisi: percussion (guest).
Album information
Title: No White Shoes | Year Released: 2016 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Gabriela Martina
Instrument: Vocals
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