This is Liz Terrell’s debut album, coming after five years studying jazz, the previous five having been spent performing in cabaret and musical theatre. Vocally relevant here, she also travelled overseas as a member of a gospel troupe.
Terrell’s sound is warm and rich and she brings understanding allied with flair to an interesting selection of songs. These range from jazz, courtesy of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk, to standards, including Night And Day, Time After Time and What The World Needs Now. On all of these she finds a treatment that proves her unwillingness to merely go over old ground.
She is accompanied by relaxed and always swinging instrumentalists, several of whom contribute very good solos. Among these are tenor saxophonist Eddie Williams, notably on the opening and closing tracks, pianist Daniel Clarke, guitarist Alan Parker and bassist Chris Brydge. With the last named, Terrell appears in live performances as a voice-bass duo billed as Liz and Brydge. The duo format makes clear that she has no qualms at being out in the open and not hidden behind a band. Indeed, throughout she is clearly comfortably strong and commanding, doubtless qualities developed during her gospel choir days.
Terrell is a very welcome addition to the jazz singing world, especially as she clearly knows, loves, understands and respects the form’s roots. Very warmly recommended.
Discography
People Make The World Go Round; It’s All Right With Me; Night And Day; Blue Monk; Time After Time; I’m Gonna Laugh You Right Out Of My Life; Ain’t Misbehavin’ / The Jitterbug Waltz / Honeysuckle Rose; Almost Blue; The Saga Of Harrison Crabfeathers; Don’t Get Around Much Anymore; What The World Needs Now (63.08)
Terrell (v); Eddie Williams (ts); Daniel Clarke (p); Alan Parker (g); Chris Brydge (b); Emre Kartari (d). 2021. Virginia Beach, VA.
Westmont
