Suzanne Pittson: Resolution: A Remembrance of John Coltrane

One of the most adventurous vocal CDs to come around in a long time is Suzanne Pittson's Resolution: A Remembrance of John Coltrane. Pittson achieves her goal of molding her voice into saxophone-like solos. She's bold and daring, very much in the spirit of the CD's honoree. The occasional slight lapse in intonation can be forgiven in settings like this where caution is thrown to the wind and Pittson immerses herself into the song. Her husband, Jeff Pittson, proves to be an accomplished pianist as well, and both Pittsons contribute the lyrics to the Coltrane compositions "Liberia" and "Resolution," as well as Michael Brecker's "African Skies" and Suzanne's spontaneous composition "Remembrance."

Things get off to a romping start with "Liberia," the switches to a sensitive ballad treatment of "My One and Only Love." The centerpiece of the CD is the Coltrane tunes "Resolution" and "Pursuance," each with an instrumental introduction and lyrics by Jeff Pittson. It is on these tunes that Pittson comes closest to invoking the spirit of Coltrane in her vocal explorations; the lyrics fit the material at hand well, too.

This CD is for those who like to dig deep into progressive jazz, not for those who want a more easy-on-the-ears vocal date. (Vineland VLCD 7755)

Tracks: Liberia; My One and Only Love; [from "A Love Supreme":] Prelude to Resolution, Resolution, Introduction to Pursuance, Pursuance; Remembrance; The Night Has a Thousand Eyes; I Wish I Knew; African Skies; You Don't Know What Love Is. (59:36)