Customer Reviews

I'm With the Band

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In case you haven't noticed, all the attention these days in the world of jazz singing is on female singers. Small wonder, when you survey the abundance of talent. Tierney Sutton, Cheryl Bentyne, Karrin Allyson, Anne Hampton Calloway--all are virtuosic performers, positively "scary" in terms of musical as well as vocal technique. Tierney Sutton may be the most "frightening" of all, based on the evidence of this impressive session. She throws down the gauntlet, raises the bar, sets a new standard in terms of not merely vocal acrobatics and jazz chops but repertory, inventive arrangements, live performance, and a "personal" rhythm section that's as state-of-the-art as they come.

Not only are the tempos out of sight but, despite the presence of her formidable pianist Christian Jacob, Sutton demonstrates that she requires no more accompaniment than a bass ("'S Wonderful," "People Will Say We're in Love") or drums ("Surrey with the Fringe," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do"). Her articulation is up to any lyric at any speed (she closes off vowels faster and gets more mileage out of consonants than any singer I've heard), and her pitch and rhythmic sense are absolutely secure if not dead-on perfect.

In fact, it's that glossy perfection that detracts from the overall communicative effectiveness of this album. Even though recorded before a "live" audience at Birdland, the ambience is so sterile and controlled, the program so calculated and "smooth" that the occasional applause intrudes like a guilty afterthought. Maybe the producers needed to use less directional mics or Tierney needed to step back from her mic, or perhaps just one or two of the 16 tunes could have been served without the ingenious harmonic-rhythmic facelifts.

I'd love to catch Tierney Sutton live because this album, though a highly professional production and head-turning achievement, is no substitute for the real thing.

I was fortunate enough to hear Tierney and the Band in an intimate concert hall in Brownville, Nebraska shortly before they recorded this cd. I sat spellbound and amazed during that performance. I always measure a jazz singer more by how they sound live. Is the singer's pitch and tone as pure as it is on studio recording? Are the singer's improvisations and inflections always the same or are they a spontaneous artist? I was floored by Miss Sutton. She is even stronger live than she is on her recordings. This cd just confirms that opinion.

The thing that really impresses me is that this isn't a mere copy of that live performance I heard. In others words, her improvisations are not merely rehearsed. The same can be said for all the members of her incredible band. I can't imagine a better collection of jazz musicians collaborating and being better. Is there a better piano player out there right now than Christian? I don't think so. If you haven't heard his solo cd, get it. Ray Brinker is merely a God. Look up tasteful and you will see Ray. It doesn't matter which of her two bass players play, each is simply incredible.

The thing that I realy enjoy about this group of musicians in their collective ability to make standards that have been recorded thousands of time sound fresh and new. They do not stick to accepted tempos and styles. Anyone who thinks this is a bad thing is NOT a someone who truly enjoys and respects jazz.

....but I have to weigh in on the overwhelmingly positive side of the ledger. There is no doubt that I've heard Tierney live about as often as anyone except her bandmembers, and have heard peaks and highlights that will never be captured again. Indeed, as fantastic as the band is, there are still the memories of some intimate settings with the great Dave Mackay at the now-defunct Montleone's in Tarzana Calif. and sometimes supporting musicians that were simply sublime. I've also teased Christian Jacob that he doesn't make enough mistakes, and all he's done is to take more chances all the time---and still doesn't make mistakes!

But if there were one criticism of the recorded oeurve prior that was marginally telling, it was that there was the slight lack of spontaneity that we lucky ones hear in live performance. Tierney is a perfectionist, which makes her improvisations all the more remarkable for their range and wit.

Now we have a live album that begins to indicate what typical sets are like. There is still just a little sense of holding back that I hear, but less than any other CD so far.

My friend Tupp Turner, perhaps Tierney's most steadfast fan, told me he wished that there had been just a bit more ambiance and stage patter included. On this I'm divided, since it would have meant that much less music, and would probably have worn more quickly on repeated hearing.

So---if you have any chance to hear her live, make a special effort---she and the band do not tour that extensively. But in the meantime this spendid album will get you most of the way there.

Whatever band this is that Tierney Sutton is with--be it The Tierney Sutton Band, The Christian Jacob band with Tierney Sutton, "the only working combo in jazz with two bassists who trade off and a singer"--it seems to perform its output in two themes. The first is tributes to certain artists--Sinatra ("Dancing in the Dark"), Bill Evans ("Blue in Green"), or instrumentalists in general ("Unsung Heroes.") The second is this group of superior musicians takes standards from the Great American Songbook and Broadway and turns them on their heads, performing them sensationally and in ways never before heard. That's what they did with "Something Cool", IMO the best jazz album of 2002; and that's what they do here, to this live set recorded at Birdland in NYC in March of 2005. Like "Cool", this is a superb recording and is certainly one of the best of this year.

Where do I begin? Let's start with the drummer, Ray Brinker. In a way, this is his album. His brush and stick work is just so sharp. He energizes everything this band does, and makes it all sparkle.

Yet, my two favorite cuts on this album are ones where he doesn't play. The two piano-voice ballads, "Two for the Road" and "On My Way to You", are just heavenly. Christian Jacob is one of the most intuitive pianists on the planet.

And then there's Ms. Sutton. Wow and double wow. Listen to what she does to "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)" and "Devil May Care." On both, she clips along on difficult melodies for about 32 bars or so, a capella, and then the band comes in in exactly the same key. A few singers might try to do that--in the studio after a number of takes. This album was recorded live. And she did it twice. No flukes here.

Or listen to what she does to "What a Little Moonlight Can Do". She does this as a duet with Brinker, and probably sings it faster than I've ever heard a singer sing a song before. This performance is incredible.

Or consider the first 16 bars of "Softly, as a Morning Sunrise." She sounds like an alto flute, playing a Bach fugue, before she jumps into the Romberg classic. She treats "Devil May Care" with similar quotes from Grieg, and Mozart in "I Get a Kick Out of You." Torme used to do this kind of thing; Tierney Sutton is "The Velvet Fog's" successor.

But unlike Mel, she just sings the songs. No in-between song patter, telling everybody how beautiful they are. At times, it's difficult to believe that this is a live album. That's a tribute to Telarc, but also to the superior musicianship of the artists. These folks came to play, and play they do.

Each year Tierney Sutton becomes better known nationally, but is still considered a "rising star" by Down Beat's critics. Christian Jacob similarly goes unreccognized. I just don't get it. RC

We have followed Tirney from her early days, and have all of her recordings. This latest CD is a work of art. Her musicianship is beyond compare, and her lyrical interpretations truly reflect composers' intentions. Tierney knows when to 'romp' through a song, and knows when sentimentality is called for.
The band is simply magnificent, from Christian Jacob's brilliant piano work, to Ray Brinker's appropiate, and sophisticated drumming. A swinging cohesive unit, one could not ask for better.
Marc and Patty Foorman

Tierney and The Band spent two days in my hometown, Rochester, NY, before heading to New York City to record this album. We where very fortunate to get a preview of what was to be recorded on this album; and I was very lucky to find Tierney and her band in the dining room of the hotel where they where performing. Knowing that performers often do not like to be bothered, I timmidly approached Tierney and the gang to ask for autographs. All of my fears quickly melted when Tierney turned to look at me, gave me a huge smile, said "HEY! Nice bling, baby!" (referring to the jewelry that I was wearing), and actually invited me to sit down and chat. My heart pounding, I sat and went over a few requests... and Tierney talked with great warmth, and a genuine sense of excitement over the songs that I requested for the evening. It was very clear that Tierney is an artist who is passionate about her work. That warmth, passion, and excitement about her art bursts through every single song on this album. While playing live, Tierney and The Band brought us through an amazing range of emotions- effortlessly weaving in and out of slow, beautiful, sombre songs and fast paced jazz improvisation that made my feet bounce. It was an amazing and joyous couple of nights; and I'm thrilled that this album captures the essence of those two evenings of live music. Overall, this album has a wonderful pace to it- you won't be able to keep your feet from tapping. I was afraid that the album would have the problems that most live albums have- songs that you have already heard performed; only with lots of audience noise in the background- but the recording is clean and superb, the songs are not from Tierney's earlier releases, and the songs that she and her band chose to perform are done with great flair, skill, and a unique sensibility that elevates this to a true work of art. So stop reading these reviews and click the "add to cart" button!

Why did it take so long for me to find Tierney Sutton? I am so glad I did she is amazing and I'M WITH THE BAND is one excellent CD. Strong vocals and a tight band, what more could we ask for? This CD is a good addition to your collection. RECOMMENDED

I'm a big fan of Tierney Sutton, I have seen her live a number of times. I really wanted to like this CD, but...

I guess it is technically well played and Tierney is in good voice. The instrumentation is clever. The arrangements are original, who would of thought to sing a ballad like "Blue Skies" double tempo at 250 beats per minute?

But thats' pretty much what's wrong too. Too many triple expressos. Too many clever, souless fast tempos. too much scat and vocalese. Too little heart, feeling and soul.

The whole thing leaves me nervous, like drinking too much coffee and then hanging from the ceiling by your finger nails gritting your teeth.

The CD is frankly self-indulgent and show-offy. There is a line in "S'Wonderful" where Tierney says "Me, Me, Me, Me, Me". That pretty much says it all.

Like a car with two gears. mostly in overdrive. There is a poor balance between fast and slow songs (nearly all fast) with nothing in between. Her concerts are not usually like this.

This is a huge disappointment after her wonderful "Dancing in the Dark" and "Something Cool". Sorry, Tierney, I wanted to like it.

I bought one of Tierney's CD's and was knocked over by her great voice and many venues she can play and sing.
Tonight is her night, I have almost all of her albums and am relaxing listening to a Jazz Artist of the now.
She is incredible.... I doubt there are few Jazz songs she could not do with ease and then put her own special touch on it

I wish I could give ten stars for this incredibly beautiful, original and bittersweet recording. Yes, Tierney has long been my favorite jazz singer because, well, because she is the best. Whether it's an ephemeral ballad, scatting like Ella, another rendition of an old favorite or something new and personal, one quickly understands that she strives for excellence and reaches that goal time after time.

Listen to this recording then try someone else. You will notice the differnce in intent, nuance and quality. To understand the sound on this CD one must understand the relationship between Sutton and her band. They are not simply a backup (the notion is insulting);nor do they provide nice sounds to her satin. No, this is a unit that operates as one integral whole. So, one can stand amazed at Jacob's lingering, tickling and lush piano sounds in IF I LOVED YOU or the great drums in the surprising SURREY WITH THE FRING ON TOP. Her peculiar remake of old clasics is amazing. This was a live performance from Birdland which makes it even more remarkable. My Grade: A+