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Daria -
Feel The Rhythm (Jazz 'm Up Records)
Released: May, 2005
Daria’s latest release, “Feel
the Rhythm,” promises more than lonely, barroom jazz vocals. You know, the
kind you want to hear while crying into your beer over lost love? This CD
invites you to a mix of traditional jazz quartet styles with Latin,
Brazilian, and world rhythms, even morphing a few radio hits with Dari-esque
playfulness. Much of it works, and while a few songs fall short, this CD
is worth adding to your collection. Oh – and if you can, pay no attention
to the drab, 60s cover design.
Daria performs in the San Francisco area, has played clubs in Europe, and
has some solid talent behind her on “Feel the Rhythm,” including Alex
Acuna on percussion, Jose Neto on guitar, William Kennedy on drums, and
Marc Russo on sax. The arrangements are by Wayne Wallace and by Frank
Martin, who put together my favorite of this release, “Luisa.”
“Luisa” is the saddest, most haunting song of the CD, and yes, I guess I
like crying in my beer. But the variety and freshness of selections like
“All or Nothing at All” and “Under the Moon and Over the Sky,” and
especially the 7/4 rhythms of the title track will either make you want to
dance, or at least make you feel a little sexier.
The least convincing tracks might be those designed for name-brand
recognition, most notably “Fragile,” a Sting tune. The problem with
re-recording pop vocals is that we all have the songs oh-so-firmly planted
in our minds and ears. Therefore, the only way to make a case for a remake
is to walk two giant steps in a whole new stylistic direction. Sting has
his own unique pop/jazz/rock style, and so, I was left wishing for the
original recording. A more convincing version is the whimsical “Don’t You
Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” a Stevie Wonder tune. The CD is called “Feel the
Rhythm,” after all, so songs that give Daria a chance to show her vocal
depth, playfulness and versatility (she sings her own backups and vocal
percussion), are more appealing.
Daria’s voice is convincing, clear, and strong, and while her vocals are
not the most unique or memorable I’ve ever heard, she does succeed in
setting the mood for each song, and showing herself to be an indispensable
member of the jazz ensemble. It’s cliché to say that she is equal to the
other instruments in the group, but it’s true in this case. She also
co-wrote some of the songs – “Turn Around,” “Feel the Rhythm” and “Dreams
of a Tango” – which may be as much a part of her charm as her three-octave
voice.
The CD succeeds in setting an alluring mood, and Daria’s vocals are warm
and solid. The arrangements are fun and fresh, and the purpose of jazz,
for the listener, is largely visceral. Its music tantalizes our senses,
sends us into lazy sensuality, and adds a little romance to our lives. So,
whether you’re crying in your beer, doing the tango in your living room,
or setting the mood for a quiet night for the two of you, Daria’s “Feel
the Rhythm” will help make the occasion more memorable.
Deb Marshall teaches high
school English, is an aspiring novelist, and lives with her two dog
children in Southern California. She divides her time between playing the
cello, reading, writing, and walking her furry beasts, a boxer named Homer
and a PBGV named Opus.
 Three microphones (out of four)
- Deb Marshall
(04/25/05) |
