Reflection
Mama Bama, 2025
9/10
The actress and vocalist Deb Bowman has a diverse resume that includes plenty of different sounds, and these 9 tracks welcome plenty of guests for the timeless jazz occasion.
“Send In The Clowns” opens with Bowman’s soaring voice alongside Jakubu Griffin’s precise drums and Dean Fransen’s elegant keys, and “Moon River” follows with Tim Aucoin’s cozy bass that suits the graceful and gorgeous singing.
“This Girl’s In Love With You” lands in the middle and uses Tom McCaffrey’s strategic guitar amid the powerful pipes, while “He Was Too Good To Me” is an intimate moment of emotive keys and heartfelt singing that tugs on the heartstrings.
Close to the end, “‘Til There Was You” benefits much from Jared Lanham’s calm drumming and Marla Feeney’s playful winds, and “Baby Mine” exits with Bowman’s expressive pipes complementing the gentle instrumentation.
Bowman’s delivery is exceptional, and the sparing but effective contributions from Kurt Bacher’s wind, Bruce Harris’ trumpet, Rashaan Salaam’s trombone and Jim Donica’s bass help make an indeed reflective effortt.
Travels well with: Ellie Martin- Morning Glories; Elaine Dame- Reminiscing