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Sherri Roberts - The Sky
Could Send You (Pacific Coast Jazz)
February, 2006
You don't have to have an
overpowering voice. You do have to know how to use what you've got, and
know your limits. I fired this one up before I even looked at the label.
First thing I thought while listening to Ms. Roberts' rendition of Bobby Troup's
"You're Looking At Me" was driving along highway one, north from Santa
Monica. It's got that great West Coast sound.
Ms. Roberts' voice is expressive, distinctive and stylish. "Sweet" is not
the word, because I think
that implies a certain innocence - and there is absolutely nothing
innocent about Ms. Roberts'
treatment of Mancini's "Slow Hot Wind," or Jimmy Webb's "The Moon's A
Harsh Mistress."
Not the usual crowd of standards, here - but not too far off the beaten
path, either. Names like Jobim,
Bobby Troup (spelling counts, guys), and a couple of lesser-heard
Rodgers/Hart tunes join one
original - "Before," penned by Roberts and long-time collaborator -
bassist Harvie S - the artist
formerly known as Harvie Swartz. It stands up well.
Message to vocalist-bassist
combos: this is how you mix one of these things. S's bass is still noticeable, and a great compliment to Ms. Roberts. This duo works
well together! Listen for saxophonist Phil Woods and trumpeter Lew
Soloff, too. Good stuff.
Nicely done! Perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Keep an eye
out for this one in February. It's a keeper.
 
Three
and one-half microphones (out of four)
- Doug Boynton
(12/23/05) |
