Live With Christian Jacob
Rhombus, 2023
8/10
Listen to Live With Christian Jacob
The inimitable vocalist Sylvia Brooks returns with a 5th album, where live selections from the American Songbook were fleshed out at Herb Albert’s Vibrato, and with an all star cast on hand.
The lively “When The Sun Comes Out” begins the listen with Brooks’ animated voice alongside Kevin Kanner’s agile drumming and Jacob’s bright keys, and “Blues In The Night” follows with Jeff Bunnell’s glowing brass amid the expressive singing of the stylish delivery.
Deeper into the set, “The Flea Markets Of Paris” is a calm moment of poeticism from Brooks’ powerful delivery amid the gentle piano, while “Night & Day” offers a frisky burst of soulful brass from Brian Scanlon’s well timed sax to complement the rich album highlight.
Closer to the end, the dreamy “Holding Back Tears", an original, meshes the stunning vocals with powerful and flowing piano from Jacobs, and “Come Rain Or Come Shine” exits with a dense and melodic appeal that utilizes the warm horns, cozy keys and flawless singing.
A set with excellent interpretations and top notch originals, Brooks and company bring us along for a memorable journey into timeless jazz sounds.
Travels well with: Constantine Alexander- Firetet; Arina Fujiwara- Neon