Acuna, Claudia
Verve, 2002, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 8.2w
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 4-
Score: 
O’s Notes: Claudia loves to sing and it comes through in her work as she exercises excellent pitch control blending with the instruments effortlessly. Rhythm of Life is a solid performance on both live and recorded versions featuring Acuña’s strong alto. The CD is well balanced and tight courtesy of the veteran rhythm section: Jeff “Tain” Watts (d), Dave Holland (b) and Billy Childs (p). On the live set Claudia shares notes with trombonist Steve Davis in exchanges that explode with rich emotions. Clarence Penn works the drums and percussion to provide a magical touch. When they broke “Nature Boy” into a spirited Cubano groove, we gave the live set a plus. Either way, you won’t be disappointed.
