Rightly self-assured and possessing a wonderful instrument, she doesn't tell her whole story in one song--or even one listening. "This is Always" is a collection of songs you can curl up with again and again."
- Greg Lee, Program Director WMOT Jazz [+]Rightly self-assured and possessing a wonderful instrument, she doesn't tell her whole story in one song--or even one listening. "This is Always" is a collection of songs you can curl up with again and again."
- Greg Lee, Program Director WMOT Jazz 89
The jazz vocal idiom is much wider and less stylistically restrictive than some people think. Many examples of this are evident on outstanding singer Rebecca Sayre's fine new CD. Sayre is compelling and credible doing both ballads and rapid-fire material. She can swing, belt out a tune or lay back. Sometimes she's sultry, on other occasions she's demure, but most notably, she ensures through her delivery that listeners fully hear and understand each tune's lyrics, messages and underlying themes. Sayre accomplishes these things without excess volume, wasted mannerisms or exaggerated nuances. In short, she's a complete vocalist, and it's a pleasure to hear her renditions of "Everything I Love", "Perdido", "Who Cares", "I Get A Kick Out of You", and "Out of This World" among others.
While Sayre consistently sparkles, her backing musicians are just as outstanding. The disc spotlights the big-toned, joyous backing and solos of tenor saxophonists Denis Solee and Jeff Coffin, while also including wondrous work by Beegie Adair (piano) and Pat Bergeson (guitar, producing) and things are capped by understated, yet forceful bass and drum interaction by Jerry Navarro and Tommy Giampietro. These players give Sayre ample freedom to take chances while also establishing settings that advantageously frame her vocals. Interestingly, one of the more intriguing debates currently raging in some critical circles ponders whether Norah Jones should be considered a "jazz" vocalist. Hopefully, no one will have any doubts about Rebecca Sayre's credentials or inclinations after hearing this wonderful release.
- Ron Wynn, Tennessee Jazz & Blue Society
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