Kayleidoscope
Penchant Four, 2020
8/10
The jazz vocalist, composer, lyricist and arranger Kaylé Brecher (pronounced KaylA BrecKer) is well versed in many variations of jazz sounds, and here on this 8th recording the songstress offers us a fine mix of originals and covers with a handful of players to help flesh out the affair.
“My Favorite Things” starts the listen with soft keys and calm percussion as Brecher’s pretty vocals guide the gentle jazz setting, and “Glad Bag” follows with a playful display of spirited guitar work as Brecher shows us her impressive and versatile singing prowess.
Near the middle, “Something About You” initially finds a more sparse place to reside as primarily piano accompanies her adaptive pipes that eventually hint at rapping as the setting becomes abruptly quirky, while “Shattered” is nearly a capella, as a plucked acoustic bass pairs with Bobby McFerrin like vocal scatting. “An Elegant Tale”, the album highlight, then brings a busier display of breezy grooves and Afro-Cuban influences that add much to the engaging atmosphere.
Deeper into the listen, “Sea Of Dolphins” puts keys into focus to help birth glorious melodies that tips its hat to Herbie Hancock, and “Remember It Well” exits the listen with just Brecher’s vocals in the brief and emotive finish to a vary accomplished effort.
An artist who began her career in her teens singing the blues in New York City clubs, Brecher brings a wealth of talent and experience here, where minimal songs resonate just as well as fuller ones in her rhythmic and harmonic execution that we could never tire of.
Travels well with: Lois Bruno- And So It Begins; Raquel Cepeda- Passion