Sung, Helen
Stricker Street, 2018, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 24.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 5
Sound: 3
Score:
O’s Notes: Keyboardist Helen Sung combines forces with Dana Gioia (spoken word) for“Sung With Words, a novel approach that combines Sung’s swinging band with introductory, poetic comments by Dana Gioia. The music really swings with John Ellis (sax, cl) and Ingrid Jensen (t) delivering explosive solos along with Sung. Meanwhile bassist Reuben Rogers, percussionist Samuel Torres and drummer Kendrick Scott maintain a solid, vibrant foundation. If that weren’t satisfying enough, vocalists Jean Baylor, Christie Dashiell, Carolyn Leonhart and Charlene Wade add soft touches to the ballads along with sweet harmonies elsewhere. We also enjoyed the funky vibe on “Hot Summer Night” and “Too Bad” capping a really fine session.
Publicist: Red Cat Publicity