Shining Moments
Dash Hoffman, 2023
8/10
The vocalist and poet Pierre L. Chambers has enjoyed a 4 decade career that somehow did not include a solo album until now. A body of work that exemplifies his love for jazz, the 11 tunes here bring some excellent help, including Jeff Kaye’s well timed brass, that truly illuminates his baritone pipes.
“Work Song” opens the listen with Chambers’ rugged yet tuneful voice alongside Clayton Cameron’s agile drumming, and “My Favorite Things” follows with Karen Hammack’s dreamy piano complementing the expressive vocals that emit much beauty.
In the middle, the spoken word of “This Mother” is met with elegant keys as Chambers discusses his very influential parent, Annie Chambers, while “Paper Moon” swings with much melody and energy that showcases Dori Amarilio’s warm guitar amid the frisky vocals.
Close to the end, the romantic and powerful “The Way You Look Tonight” welcomes Henry Franklin’s clever bass playing, and the rich and dynamic “Afro Blue” exits with Chambers’ inimitable pipes front and center alongside the textured, stirring finish.
Shining Moments was produced by the always exceptional Cathy Segal-Garcia, who also provides backing vocals, and is dedicated to Chambers’ parents, who instilled his love for artistry, that, after 40 years, is still as creative, diverse and soulful as ever.
Travels well with: Mark Ortwein- It Was Time; Jim Witzel Trio & Quartet- Feelin’ It