Falling
Tiger Turn, 2022
8/10
The 3rd album from the composer and vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant, Falling takes help from Jeb Patton, Jay Sawyer, Jody Redhage Ferber, Hannah Marks and Ted Nash for the emotive and adventurous listen that surrounds the theme of falling.
The title track opens the listen with warm keys from Patton and precisely plucked bass from Marks as Sergeant’s pretty, elegant pipes guide the timeless jazz climate, and “Sisyphus” follows with Sawyer’s agile drumming complementing the lush and powerful delivery from Sergeant.
Halfway through, “Honey” uses Ferber’s cello and the intricate bass superbly in the playful album highlight, while “Infinity Blues” pairs Nash’s stirring saxophone along with plenty of atmosphere in a way that produces much beauty amid a dreamy setting.
Near to the end, “Autumn Nocturne” displays proficient piano where Sergeant hits some pretty high notes as a poetic landscape unfolds, and “That Old Black Magic” exits the listen busy and textured with bright brass, quick keys, frisky drumming, and, of course, Sergeant’s diverse pipes.
Sergeant’s background includes musical theater, chamber music, ‘70s pop and jazz, and those influences are certainly present and appreciated across this thoughtful vocal jazz effort.
Travels well with: Alexis Cole- Sky Blossom: Songs From My Tour Of Duty; Alex Hamburger- And She Spoke