Lisa Thorson: Resonance

Thorson’s flexible voice fills several roles: scat singer, quasi-horn player, lyrical balladeer, and rhythmic chanter. While scat singing "I Mean You" around Cercie Miller’s alto saxophone solo and Bill Evans’ "Five" around solos from piano, bass and drums, Thorson stretches from a unison with piano to lyrical lead melodies. "But Not For Me" is a vocal/drums duet with an interesting shuffle rhythm. Thorson employs her voice as an instrument on Schuller’s "Punta d’Blues," creating a little dissonance from time to time with extreme care not to overdo it. Again, with voice as an instrument on "Mood Indigo," Thorson works as a duo with tenor saxophone before launching into the lyrics of the favorite tune. Modal ballads "Wondering Why?" and "Resonance" demonstrate the singer’s sincere expression. With a loose bass drumhead adding authenticity, Schuller begins "Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend." It’s a chant containing wordless vocal lines that resemble utterances from ancient tongues and cultures. Thorson’s multi-tracked three-part vocal harmony frames her lovely composition as if she had created bookends. If you enjoy creative scat singing and have a respect for vocal art, then this one will rank high on your star chart. Highly Recommended.

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