Raised in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, Kristen Lee Sergeant was classically trained, received the Ira Gershwin Prize in Music at Brandeis University and considered opera and musical theatre before settling in New York where she opted for a dual career as jazz singer and sommelier (a pairing that might well make her unique).
She has sung with groups of all sizes in all manner of venues, high and low, and also studied with Tom Lellis. Among her performing venues are Birdland, Iridium and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and in 2014 she also won the Jazz Forum Arts vocal competition.
On this new album, some of the songs among Sergeant’s chosen repertoire require the use of her bright and clear vocal sound in an intimately close manner, and she draws in the listener. On others, such as Infinity Blues, she reaches out with commanding power. Throughout, she sings with mature understanding of the lyrics, to which she is fully attuned.
The accompanying group is led by Jeb Patton with skill and his solos are fluent, and he is especially good on Autumn Nocturne. Other very good solos come from soprano saxophonist Ted Nash on four tracks, notably the closer where he and the singer work a special kind of magic as they rejuvenate the old standard. There is also able support from the bassist, cellist and drummer.
An always interesting and enjoyable session. Wine buffs might wish to note that the interests outside music of Sergeant and Nash include a recent collaboration that resulted in Two Notes, a Bordeaux blend from California.
Discography
Let’s Fall; Sisyphus; Birdsong; Chiaroscuro; Honey; Infinity; Better Off; Orpheus; Autumn Nocturne; That Old Black Magic (39.05)
Sergeant (v) with, collectively: Ted Nash (ss, on Birdsong, Infinity, Orpheus, That Old Black Magic); Jeb Patton (p); Hanna Marks (b); Judy Redhage Ferber (clo); Jay Sawyer (d). Montclair, NJ, 17/18 January 2021.
Tiger Turn
