Home » Jazz News » Recording

121

Kelley Suttenfield Releases "Where is Love?" on Rhombus Records

Source:

Sign in to view read count
Rhombus Records announces the release of debut CD Where Is Love? from East-coast based jazz vocalist Kelley Suttenfield.

Though decidedly a jazz CD, Where Is Love? transcends musical sub-genres while establishing an identifiable and contemporary sound. Backed by her five-piece jazz ensemble (Michael Cabe, piano, Fender Rhodes; Jesse Lewis, electric guitar; Tony Romano, acoustic guitar; Matt Aronoff, bass; Brian Adler, drums, percussion), Kelley layers global influences upon her warm southern roots creating an evocative mood that clearly resonates with her audience. The playlist is eclectic, imaginative, and timeless, comprising thoughtful song selections with contrasting arrangements. The unspoken exchanges between musicians are both moving and magical. The end result is a love letter to the listener.

The opening track, Stanley Turrentine's Sugar, sets the tone of the CD with a surprising and swinging start. The next track, Platters classic Twilight Time, is made over into a sultry country shuffle, conjuring up images of sentimental summer nights. Where Is Love?, the title track, draws from Kelley's childhood memories of the musical Oliver! This version has been recast with a 7/8 time signature, and features a soaring interplay of acoustic guitar and bass improvisation. The message is powerful yet tender a longing for loves lost and those yet to be found -- and it is the connecting point between all of the songs on the CD.

Charade, And I Love Her, and Ode to Billy Joe, are nods to pop culture sensations, each vastly different in delivery. Charade begins with a haunting bass and electric guitar theme setting up the 5/4 time. This is followed by a guitarless reinvention of the Beatles' ballad And I Love Her,while Ode to Billy Joe, borrows elements from country, funk, and gospel roots to re-tell this great American southern epic. In contrast, Caetano Veloso's Coracao Vagabundo, Betty Carter's Open the Door, and jazz standard I Fall in Love Too Easily pull directly from Brazilian influences. In the classic Coracao Vagabundo, the original bossa nova form is ironically deconstructed into a circular feel, reminiscent of a carousel ride of youth, which relates to the sentiment of the verse. Open the Door continues the journey, but with a vibrant samba feel, undulating with energy and passion. Later a bossa nova version of I Fall in Love Too Easily is heard, drenched in “saudade" (Brazilian sadness), and awash in mournful bass arco overtones.

Nature Boy, West Coast Blues, and My One and Only Love, are all jazz standards redefined. Nature Boy is transformed as an homage to the Indian raga, layered with tamboura (recorded), tablas, complementary bass lines, percussive piano, and sitar-like electric guitar. Set in motion by a plaintive vocal wail, it culminates in an extended raga-jazz fusion improvisation that is undoubtedly the climax of the CD. The next selection, West Coast Blues, brings it back to not-so-straight-ahead jazz, with a 9/8 rendition of this iconic Wes Montgomery tune. The closing statement, My One and Only Love, is delivered as a lilting jazz waltz that leaves the listener with a final sense of joy and resolution. As a debut CD, Where Is Love? represents a self-defining moment of arrival for new artist Kelley Suttenfield.

Following its release, Kelley will be touring to promote Where Is Love?. For tour dates in your area, or for more information, visit: kelleysuttenfield.com.

Continue Reading...

Visit Website | Purchase

For more information contact .

Comments

Tags

View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

News

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.