Blanford, Phyllis
Phyllis Blanford, 2016, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 22.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Jazz vocalist Phyllis Blanford may be a new name for some but she is a polished performer having performed on many stages in Europe. She looks at Edgewalker as a rebirth of sorts and it is a fine effort indeed. Her accompaniment is world class including co-producer, saxophonist Don Braden, James Gibbs (t), Ted Brancato (p), Winard Harper (d), Kenny Davis (b), Mayra Casales (perc) and Stephan Harris (vibes). The program is all classics with pieces from Carmen Lundy and Abbey Lincoln’s songbooks. Phyllis has a warm, soulful voice that kept us enthusiastically engaged with fine arrangements of “Save Your Love For Me” and a swinging rendition of “Night and Day”. The brass harmonies from Gibbs and Vincent Gardner (tb) on “Good Morning Kiss” are excellent! Blanford breathes freshness and joy in what we hope is a sustained journey!
Publicist: Jazz Promo Services
