Work & Song
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
A Cleveland outfit spearheaded by the drummer and composer Anthony Taddeo, this live set from Alla Boara was captured on July 7 and 8, 2023, at Cleveland’s Bop Stop club, and it assembles 11 songs of the band’s worldly folk ideas.
The dynamic and rich “Almond Sorters” gets the evening off to a warm start, where Amanda Powell’s elegant voice is met with Chris Coles’ soulful sax, and “U Leva Leva” follows with a vocally harmonic intro that segues into Dan Bruce’s meticulous guitar playing amid the cultured melodies.
Halfway through, “Mamma Mia Dammi Cento Lire” benefits much from Tommy Lehman’s bright trumpet, as Powell’s expressive voice soars, while “Ballu” is split into 2 parts, where Taddeo’s frisky percussion leads into Clay Colley’s bright accordion prowess that gives the set highlight a festive feel.
Landing near the end, the vocally strong “Venite Adoremus” carries a distinct dreaminess alongside the light instrumentation, and “Mi Me Ne Fon” exits with a textured mood that meshes accordion, drums, guitar, Ian Kinnaman’s bass and expressive singing.
An excellent outing that showcases the band’s multifaceted approach, the romantic, artistic, and global jazz and folk spirit is enlightening and mesmerizing.
Travels well with: Alla Boara- Le Tre Sorelle; Ben Miller Trio- Feathers Of Ma’at