Voices
Outside In, 2023
8/10
The trumpeter and composer Danny Jonokuchi makes his label debut as bandleader here, where a large cast is along for the 11 standards that welcome a 17 piece band plus 11 different vocalists.
The frisky “The One I Love (Belongs To Somebody Else)” opens the listen with Alexa Barchini’s soulful and bright voice alongside Kevin Congleton’s lively drums and plenty of glowing brass, and “All Of Me” follows with Tahira Clayton’s distinct pipes populating the fluid melodies and the playful reed section.
Deeper into the listen, Shenel Jones brings her soaring vocals to the warm and agile “You Turned The Tables On Me”, while “Blame It On My Youth” gets intimate and dreamy thanks to the reflective horns, Jeb Patton’s graceful keys and Charles Turner’s expressive baritone.
Residing near the end, “All Or Nothing At All” spotlights Martina DaSilva’s stirring singing amid Samuel Harris’ well timed upright bass, and “I’m Just A Lucky So-And-So” allows Hannah Gill’s alluring voice to draw us in to the rich interaction between the players.
Though you may have heard these songs by Gershwin, Tormé, Ellington and others before, they’ve never sounded quite like this, as Jonokuchi and company use the meticulous rhythm section and a wealth of reeds and brass in exciting, timeless ways
Travels well with: Danielle Wertz- Other Side; Nick Finzer- Dreams, Visions, Illusions