Inner Urge
Summit, 2023
8/10
A France native armed with an exceptional voice and the ability to improvise with the best, this debut from Marina Pacowski enlists some of the most talented players in the country for the 13 memorable jazz tunes.
“Inner Urge” starts the listen with Pacowski’s lively vocal scatting alongside John Clayton’s skilled bass and Joel Frahm’s energetic tenor sax in the flowing jazz climate, and “Pensativa” follows with a calmer approach that’s populated by Roy McCurdy’s agile drums and Josh Nelson’s warm keys amid the expressive pipes.
Further on, “Donna Lee” moves swiftly via the animated scatting that’s complemented by Mike Gurrola’s quick bass, while “I’m Old Fashioned” showcases Bevan Manson’s elegant piano that suits Pacowski’s poetic singing.
Residing closer to the end, “Up Jumped Spring” finds Peter Erskine on drums and Larry Koonse on guitar for the highly melodic affair that has Pacowski singing romantically, and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life?” exits with Nelson’s sublime keys and Clayton’s cozy bass for the intimate and pretty finish.
Also a pianist, Pacowski decided to focus on her distinct timbre and ability to make the most of chord changes instead, and with the large roster of musicians on hand it makes for an excellent first record.
Travels well with: Libby York- Dreamland; Mary Foster Conklin- These Precious Days