Carri Coltrane: Flamenco Sketches

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: December 1, 1998

From the recorded memories of Miles and Monk, singer Carri Coltrane has put together an eclectic session with the core rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter, pianist Ted Brancato, drummer Payton Crossley, and guitarist Mark Lucas. Adding a little vocalese here, a lush ballad there, some intentional dissonance for emphasis, and an enjoyable rhythmic lilt throughout the performance, Coltrane appears as a fresh new voice on the jazz scene. Ron Carter’s bass work and his lyrical solo stretch mark "Passion World" and complement the singer’s clear voice. Coltrane’s alto range is extended naturally upwards, and her articulation is precise; the voice quality is clear and a pleasure to appreciate. "Sketches" possesses an obvious attachment to the Miles Davis-Gil Evans collaboration "Sketches of Spain." Carter and Crossley assemble the rhythmic mosaic while Coltrane sings out serenely and with confidence. Oliver Nelson’s "Stolen Moments" – with lyrics it’s re-titled "Another Moment Gone" – includes a lengthy muted trumpet solo from Joey DeFrancesco. Following his lead, the singer improvises well and with a unique charm.

The pop back beat of "Hideaway," the Country & Western nature of "Two Hump Ride," and the mellow addition of a string orchestra on four tracks contrasts with the jazz scenery of "Pilgrim Traveller" and most of the other compositions. Carri Coltrane is an exciting jazz vocalist with a natural feel for creating improvised scenery that veers from the beaten track.

Track Listing: Sketches; Creation; Passion World; Hideaway; Another Moment Gone; Cosmic Dancer; Two Hump Ride; Pilgrim Traveller; Too Rare; Melody Is You.

Personnel: Carri Coltrane- vocals; Ted Brancato- keyboards; Ron Carter- acoustic bass; Mark Lucas- guitars; Payton Crossley- drums; Matt Langley- soprano saxophone, alto saxophone; Joey DeFrancesco- trumpet; Crusher Bennett- congas on "Passion World," bongos on "Two Hump Ride"; Gene McDaniels- additional vocalist on "Cosmic Dancer," "Two Hump Ride," and "Too Rare".

Record Label: Numoon
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream