Women have barely impinged on jazz except as vocalists and pianists; the guest stars are living proof of the stupidity of this situation. Over the last couple of years, this all-women group has built up a large live following, and has now produced a fine debut album.
Mixing accessible, vigorous jazz-funk and fusion with soul, Latin and hi-life, this is an album that would put many a long-established band to shame. The slight tendency to soft-centredness is cut short by the fine solo work, particularly the fluid guitar lines of Deirdre Cartwright and the hard/soft saxophone of Ruthie Smith. Warm, lyrical swinging lines and immediate melodies are this group’s hallmarks, coupled with supple rhythms and excellent fretless bass work.
Of all the varied tracks, the rhythmically complex Wake It Up excels, the dominant piano/bass vocal interplay exploding under the impact of a magisterial sax solo.
Should you have any difficulty in obtaining this much recommended album, it is distributed in the UK by IMS.
Discography
Northern Lights; Weep Over It; Valentine’s Day;Tin Can Alley (23.47) – I Know I Know; Wake It Up; La Tierra Y El Sol (22.05)
Deirdre Cartwright (g); Josefina Cupido (d/ v); Laka Daisical (p/v), Linda da Mango (pc/ v); Alison Rayner (elb); Ruthie Smith (sax/v). Recorded Woodcray Manor Studio, Berkshire, May 1984.
(GS10)