There is magic when a singer and a pianist lock in a groove—not just once, but throughout an entire album. Jazz vocalist Patrice Monahan's latest album Going Places can be seen as a duet as her sole collaborator, pianist Eyran Katsenelenbogan, has a distinct voice of his own. Katsenelenbogan illuminates Monahan's soulful singing at every turn; he paints the shades of blue in her summer-afternoon skies, the constellation of stars in her darkened heavens. They're a knockout pair, turning this collection of jazz standards into a mesmerizing experience.
Monahan's playful vocals and Katsenelenbogan's jamming piano electrify the well-worn “All of Me." Suddenly the song seems new again, kicking with youthful vigor. It's so refreshing to hear a jazz staple that's been covered too often with a pumping, enthusiastic take. The two make the song their own, leaving an indelible mark. They also reveal their versatility immediately, by the second track “You Go to My Head." Monahan's velvety smooth crooning is complemented by Katsenelenbogan's gentle, warm playing. One of the best cuts on the record is their version of “The Tender Trap." Monahan's vibrant personality is captured by Katsenelenbogan's dynamic piano as they soar to new heights.
The Boston, MA-based Monahan has been a singer since she was a child. “I always sang as early as I remember," Monahan revealed. “My mom always sang to me. My parents loved the music of the '20s, '30s, and '40s, and had wonderful parties where my mom would play piano. Friends would stay up until wee hours of the morning singing and dancing." It is this deep affection for music, this unspeakable joy, that fuels the chemistry between her and Katsenelenbogan on Going Places.
Monahan's playful vocals and Katsenelenbogan's jamming piano electrify the well-worn “All of Me." Suddenly the song seems new again, kicking with youthful vigor. It's so refreshing to hear a jazz staple that's been covered too often with a pumping, enthusiastic take. The two make the song their own, leaving an indelible mark. They also reveal their versatility immediately, by the second track “You Go to My Head." Monahan's velvety smooth crooning is complemented by Katsenelenbogan's gentle, warm playing. One of the best cuts on the record is their version of “The Tender Trap." Monahan's vibrant personality is captured by Katsenelenbogan's dynamic piano as they soar to new heights.
The Boston, MA-based Monahan has been a singer since she was a child. “I always sang as early as I remember," Monahan revealed. “My mom always sang to me. My parents loved the music of the '20s, '30s, and '40s, and had wonderful parties where my mom would play piano. Friends would stay up until wee hours of the morning singing and dancing." It is this deep affection for music, this unspeakable joy, that fuels the chemistry between her and Katsenelenbogan on Going Places.
