Pairings
Momentary Flight, 2023
8/10
An intriguing set of duets from Eva Seltzer’s vocals and Ben Wood’s guitar, the husband and wife duo put a fresh coat of paint on standards with plenty of swing flavor here, and they even toss in a couple originals, too.
“Too Close For Comfort” opens the listen with Seltzer’s smooth and sweet voice alongside the warm guitar playing that’s playful and inviting, and “I’m Old Fashioned” follows with animated vocal scatting that welcomes swift playing from Wood that comes with plenty of retro flavor.
In the middle, “Spring Can Really Hang You Up on The Most” offers an intimate delivery where Seltzer’s expressive voice soars bright, while “Joseph Josesph” strums quickly across the Jewish folk song that’s highly articulate.
Further on, “Stolen Moments” has Wood plugging his guitar in for the reflective and dreamy tone, and “Save The Country” welcomes Dallas Vietty’s accordion and Justin Lee’s guitar that complement Seltzer’s impressive range for the modern interpretation of the Laura Nyro classic.
A professional singer since the age of 8, Seltzer’s pipes are superb, and along with Wood’s inimitable playing, they turn in a bluesy, jazzy, optimistic body of work that will be relevant for decades to come.
Travels well with: Matt Barber- The Song Is You; Maria Jacobs- Back At The Bop Shop