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Barbara Sfraga: Under the Moon

By C. Michael Bailey
November 19, 2003
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I first encountered Barbara Sfraga on Oh, What a Thrill (Naxos Jazz), where I reflected upon the singer's remarkably broad-ranging, sensual, evocative voice. Under the Moon does not change that impression at all. Sfraga was more than bold on Oh, What a Thrill by coupling "Angel Eyes" with "Sunshine of Your Love." She has nothing so bold in her repertoire here, but her vocals remain fresh and exciting. Ms Sfraga is no newcomer, but her new album shows her more comfortable and more probing than on her previous releases. Most notable is the inclusion of John McLean on guitar and the lack of a piano. Though not perfectly interchangeable, a guitar-led band does has its advantages to one led by a piano, and Under the Moon illustrates this point amply.

Ms. Sfraga and Mr. McLean are almost on equal footing on this recording. His guitar sounds beautifully acoustic one moment, Bill Frisell steel guitar-like the next ("Mood Indigo") and standard jazz the next ("You've Changed"). "Stardust" is a towering achievement; setting the tone for the justification that standards are here to be interpreted and re-interpreted. Just when the most callous critic thinks s/he has heard it all, a disc like this comes along and blasts the contemporary wisdom ship from the water.

Ms. Sfraga employs all of the freedom offered by the 1960s Miles Davis Quintet, Betty Carter, and post bop sovereignty. She loosens the binds on the music and allows the muse to flow throughout Under the Moon. Just then I though I had wrapped up my end-of-the-year-list, a masterpiece has come under the wire.

Track Listing

1. Stardust 2. I've Grown Accustomed To His Face 3. Mood Indigo 4. You've Changed 5. It Might As Well Be Spring 6. Under The Moon and Over The Sky 7. Sophisticated Lady 8. Prelude To A Kiss 9. Never Walk Away 10. Every Grain of Sand

Personnel

Barbara Sfraga

vocals

Barbara Sfraga: Vocals; John McLean: Guitars; Paul Wertico: Drums; Christopher Dean Sullivan: Acoustic Bass, Indigenous Tribal Nuances; Kevin Patrick: Percussion.

Album information

Title: Under The Moon | Year Released: 2003 | Record Label: A440 Music

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