Martina Fiserova: Shift

Since her 2013 debut "Clearing Fields," vocalist Martina Fiserova has been on a relentless pursuit of living her dream. This has entailed coming to America to perform and gain experience, going on a European tour, and culminating with her release of Shift. Joined once again by keyboard whiz Brian Charette, this record is more personal in approach and content, with Fiserova writing all of the songs, as well as handling production duties.

Some of the songs reflect her background and connection with her Czechoslovakian homeland, beginning with "Silver Streams," an idyllic ode to nature, and a complicated parental relationship in "Invisible Blood." Brian Charette is the subject in "Song For Brian," and he rises to the occasion with a superb organ contribution in "Cold." His groove infected playing on "Misunderstanding," is another standout as is his collaboration with Fiserova's guitar on "And Fly!"

The material covers a wide range of styles, with Fiserova's exposure to mainstream popular music coming through in the casual "My Wind," and the brisk bossa stylings of "Chasm." She slips in and out of tempos in "Silver Moon," at times sad and simple, and then surprising gay and complex. "Crater," with Charette on piano, is a tale of a friend's sudden death, and though the music rises in modulation, the lyrics are poignant and desperate. The appropriately titled "Closer,' winds up the set, and is an acoustical venture into a private moment.

Fiserova discloses that the inspirations of these songs came about while on a whirlwind tour back home, and on reflections of her recent foray into the New York music scene. She has also been invited to the Orient with the Prague Conservatory Big Band, giving her insight into foreign cultures. These have been heady days for the young singer, who remains steadfast on a course to compose and perform original material, which should be applauded. Her first record was a jazz standard oriented venture, and Shift reveals the maturing and development of an artist, who is not looking back.

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