Flying High: Big Band Canaries Who Soared
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
Listen to Flying High: Big Band Canaries Who Soared
The California non-profit, Jazz At The Ballroom, treat us to 15 timeless jazz tracks, where the pianist Champian Fulton guides the band and vocalists through a swingin’ good time.
The instrumental, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street”, starts the listen with Fulton’s warm keys and Neal Miner’s frisky bass, and “Secret Love” follows with Vanessa Perea’s expressive voice alongside plenty of rhythm and Tainaka Fukushi’s lively drumming.
Moving along, “I Only Have Eyes For You” showcases Jane MonHelt’s gorgeous pipes amid Fulton’s dreamy piano and Charles Ruggiero’s cautious drumming, while “Sweet Georgia Brown” allows Olivia Chindamo’s vocal acrobatics to shine in the animated album highlight.
Deeper still, “Tea For Two” places Carmen Bradford’s striking voice front and center for a bouncy and melodic delivery, and “Exactly Like You” bookends the listen with a charming instrumental that’s both heartfelt and meticulous.
A fun and instantly memorable affair that touches on the Great American Songbook, the vocalists here are top notch, and the players certainly don’t disappoint, either, for this classic jazz outing.
Travels well with: Jake Hertzog- Longing To Meet You; Israe Butler- Congo Lament