LaRose, Mary
Little Music, 2021, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 27.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 4
Score: 79
O’s Notes: Vocalist Mary LaRose is a master of jazz vocalese and free bop. She stretches the boundaries mixing free jazz, traditional ballads, spoken word and original themes for Out Here, interpreting the music of Eric Dolphy. She includes more traditional takes like the Latin-infused “Music Matador”. “Serene” “245” and “Warm Canto” are the best of the blended genres. There is excellent work on clarinet by Jeff Lederer, cellist Tomeka Reid, bassist Nick Dunston and drummer Matt Wilson with guest Patricia Brennan adding vibes on “GW”, our favorite track. Hats off to Mary for this creative and ambitious endeavor!
Publicist: Fully Altered Media
