The Uptown Jazz Collective: She Do What She Do

The Uptown Jazz Collective makes a strong impression on She Do What She Do, fitting firmly into several grooves. The group is as much at ease singing the blues as it is filtering the essence of jazz, and giving gospel a big slab of soul—even delving into poetry.

The band is tight and swings deliciously, creating some fine aural textures that not only complement, but also draw a tangent to, baritone vocalist T.C. III. The singer is in fine voice, an impressive presence as at ease with a ballad as he is with the blues. And when he scats, he sizzles with energy.

"Moanin'" captures the band perfectly. T.C. brings in an emotional depth that is carried, at first, by baritone saxophonist BJ Jansen, who balances a deep furrow with swaying lines. Pianist Marcus Persiani's exhilarating run pumps up the mood, and adds another dimension to an excellent reworking of the tune.

Warm intonation marks "Yesterdays." T.C. draws out the words in an exclamation of intense feeling that coils the song. He gives Jensen the path on which to set up a cocoon of rich harmonies, before he spins open the intricate web in a striking soliloquy.

Floyd Davis invigorates "Latin" with his spoken words. The beat moves from funk to hip-hop, and to jazz as poetry nestles comfortably against scat. Though it moves away from the grain, it is still a valid reference point.

The canvas is wide but the Uptown Jazz Collective colors it with captivating hues.