Dena Live is Dena's best
Steve Emerine | Tucson, AZ United States | 11/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Few jazz vocalists reach the lofty level Dena DeRose has, and even fewer continue to soar higher with each new recording. Dena is that exception. "Live at Jazz Standard" is the best CD of her career, and since this is volume 1 of her gig at the club, we can assume a second volume is on the way. Dena's singing and piano work are outstanding, and drummer Matt Wilson and bassist Martin Wing fit in nicely. Ditto for saxophonist Joel Frahm, who joins the group for "I Fall in Love Too Easily." Other standards include "Speak Low," "Get Out of Town," "It Could Happen to You," "Alone Together," "Green Dolphin Street" and "Lover." Rounding out the 61-minute recording are "This Is Love," on which DeRose lyrics combine with music by Philippe Petrucciani, and "A Table Set for Solitude" by Robert and Adena Bargad. If you recognized some songs Dena has recorded on other albums, congratulations, but be advised the versions on this CD are different and, for the most part, even better. Wouldn't you expect that from a singer who continues to improve each time she records?"
Not a Home Run, But Certainly a Stand-Up Double
Gary L Connely | Hercules, CA | 04/14/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This may be one of those albums where the "sum is greater than its parts." I've listened to a couple of Ms DeRose's other recordings and never been impressed. She's in the same league as Diana Krall, although she's got more and better chops in the piano playing department. To me, her voice is small, lacks depth and is limited in range. But here, in a live setting in front of an appreciative crowd, she really cranks it up. It's easy to forgive a little strain in the high notes, when a singer and her audience are having as much fun as Ms DeRose and her's were having the night this album was recorded.
"Live..." is a set of standards, including "Green Dolphin Street," "It Could Happen to You," and "I Fall in Love too Easily," (ain't THAT the truth). Ms DeRose has plenty of opportunity to show off her ample post bop piano playing skills - and she gets first class support from Martin Wing, on bass, and Matt Wilson, on drums.
MaxJazz has done its usual excellent job with the sonics - the ambiance of the room and the audience dynamics are right there in the sound stage in front of your speakers.
"Live at Jazz Standard, Vol 1," is not a home run, but it's sure a stand-up double."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1