Black & Blue
NYFOS, 2023
9/10
The first solo effort from the tenor Joshua Blue and pianist/arranger Steven Blier, the 13 tracks present surround themes of racial equality and human resilience across pieces that cover five decades.
“Big Brother” opens the listen with Blue’s expressive pipes and Blier’s flowing piano, as Jay Sawyer’s crisp drumming enters the rich climate, and “Day Dream” follows with intimate keys and very emotive singing that benefits much from subtle brass.
Further on, “Negrita” showcases Alex Levine’s meticulous guitar playing and Oskar Stenmark’s trumpet in the playful and smooth album highlight, while the soulful title track welcomes Jasim Perales’ trombone to the timeless jazz delivery.
Approaching the end, “Strange Fruit” is quite intimate and poetic, as the gentle piano and powerful singing work together fluidly, and “At Last” exits with agile keys and Blue’s diverse voice making for a memorable finish.
Some of these songs are nearly 100 years old, and they sound great and are as relevant as ever under Blue and Blier’s articulate and meticulous vision.
Travels well with: New York Festival Of Song- Paul Bowles: A Picnic Cantata; Yarn/Wire- Andrew McIntosh: Little Jimmy