Kirkland, Kari
Slea Head Records, 2021, CD
Instrument: Female Vocals
Issue: 27.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Ballads, Blues
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 81
O’s Notes: Vocalist Kari Kirkland has quite a profile. The Canadian born singer has performed singing Cabaret, jazz and pop across North America and Europe before taking a flying trapeze class in Seattle where she met her husband Gary and supported his circus career. The hubby arranged a meeting with keyboardist Shelly Berg which led to a productive session that blossomed into Wild is the Wind. Kari has a sultry voice that works on most materials. Guitarist Dean Parks compliments Kari on “It’s Alright With Me”. There are strong performances by John Daversa (t) and Kevin Axt (b). Highlights are “Too Late Now” featuring Roy Hargrove (t), the lazy swagger of the title track, “Too Close For Comfort” and “Break Your Heart”.
Publicist: Goldberg Media
