Excellent Debut CD by emerging jazz vocalist
10/17/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Dot Wilder "Live From The Warehouse" Shade Tree: Duration : 73'57" RRP: $US17 (approx) Dot Wilder, a recent Downbeat multi-award winner, is a modern vocalist whose influences extend to the very heart of the jazz tradition. Recorded in a live situation at the Warehouse in Florida this year Dot and her group have taken 10 tunes from the "Great American Songbook" and added 4 originals for this highly enjoyable introduction to her considerable vocal talents. The group consists of Roy Dunlop Piano, Dan Nicholson alto & tenor sax, Geoff Hanley bass, Ken Tackett drums, and Dot Wilder vocal. Special guests on some tracks are Eric Riehm tenor sax and Marcus Parsley on trumpet. Recorded with no second chances, any imperfections that may be perceived are really only minor when the obvious enthusiasm of Dot and the group are considered. The recording begins with Gershwin's "They Can't Take That Away From Me" which is played as a medium swing with some Ellington influences. The ballad "Prelude To A Kiss" is followed by an uptempo Latin Version of "Summertime". The lilting, original waltz "Babies Gentle" leads into the playful two-feel of "Just Squeeze Me". The uptempo swing of "All Of Me" contrasts with the moving ballad "Body And Soul" with echoes of Sarah Vaughn cloaked within Dot's vocal styling. The contemporary original instrumental "Libra" provides a brief intermission. Dot rejoins the group for to more originals, the modern lines of "C Blues" and swinging waltz "Dot's Head". The two-feel of "Touch Of Your Lips" precedes the uptempo swing of "Just Friends". The sentiment of the ballad "Lush Life" contrasts strongly with the humour of the final offering "Frim Fram Sauce".Throughout this recording Dot Wilder demonstrates the difference between a good vocalist and a musician by being prepared to give her fellow band members adequate solo space in each number. An enjoyable CD that gives a fine introduction to this new talent on the jazz scene."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1