McNulty, Chris
MopTop, 2012, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 19.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 
O’s Notes: Chris sings in front of a core trio including Paul Bollenback (g), Ugonna Okegwo (b) and Marcus Gilmore (d). Andrew Kondokov and Graham Wood split piano duty with Igor Butman (sax) and Anita Wardell (vocals) making guest appearances. The music is a blend of covers with two originals including the title track. All of it was conceived in 2010 before her cherished son Sam died in 2011. Yet Chris feels as though it was all composed after his departure, a bit of a prophecy. The emotional impact is here resonating between McNulty and the band resulting in a mighty fine performance. We’re still dancing to her “Jitterbug Waltz”!
Publicist: Braithwaite & Katz
