Oklahoma
Messy House, 2023
8/10
The flutist and vocalist Audrey Silver turns in a jazz version of the musical, Oklahoma, and she’s got an all star cast along for the 10 well thought out interpretations.
The dreamy title track opens the listen with Adda Kridler’s elegant violin and Kaya Bryla’s stirring viola complementing the pretty Native American flute, and “Many A New Day” follows with Silver’s bright vocals amid Bruce Barth’s warm piano and Peter Bernstein’s fluid guitar lines.
In the middle, “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” is an upbeat and melodic album highlight that makes great use of Kahlil Kwame Bell’s lively percussion, while “Out Of My Dreams” brings back the emotive strings, where Adam Kolker’s cozy bass clarinet suits the absorbing vocals from Silver.
“Boys And Girls Like You And Me” and a reprise version of the title track exit the listen, where the former is populated by light keys and guitar accenting the poetic singing, and the latter employs gorgeous vocals and rich instrumentation for the glowing finish.
This is Silver’s 5th album as leader, and the fresh coat of paint on old songs allows for waltzes, straight ahead jazz and chamber textures that are as timeless as the musical itself.
Travels well with: Debbie Spring- Tocamos; Hannah Gill- Everybody Loves A Lover