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Maria Guida - Soul
Eyes (Larknote)
Released - June 12, 2007
Theatrically-trained, Ms. Guida's debut recording is a treat.
The disc hangs together well - mostly from the classic songbook, save
for some nice detours, like the Mal Waldron title tune, "Soul Eyes," and
Blossom Dearie's "Inside A Silent Tear."
While none of these may become the definitive rendition, Ms. Guida's
interpretations stand up nicely. Other favorites of mine included "How
Little We Know," which offers a ballad-like last verse; and a
sweetly-swinging (and vocalese) version of "The Way You Look Tonight,"
one of the best tracks on the disc. That one makes it to my personal
iPod mix o' the week.
"No Moon At All" is a real
pleasure. Both of
these tracks are a little more theatrical, and allow Ms. Guida to get to
that spot in which she seems most talented.
"Four," with Jon Hendricks lyrics to the Miles Davis music, is also a
very worthy track.
Ron Horton on flugelhorn is pleasantly noticeable throughout the disc.
Ms. Guida has a heckuva voice - nice range, good phrasing...good stuff
that will only get better with time.
I'll be seeking out future recordings!
Recommended.
  Two
and one-half microphones (out of four)
- Doug Boynton
(05/19/07) |
