In review--Garden of Jazz Delight
Deborah Latz
Fig Tree
June Moon Productions
Ever so often a new voice crosses my path, a musician so
authentic, that I pause and take notice.
Deborah Latz comes to jazz by way of musical theater, but she’s no cabaret
act, neither is she a smooth jazz crooner.
Latz’ zingy interpretations of jazz chestnuts as well as, her original
tunes get under the skin. Her
arrangements surprise us, such as the slowed down Embraceable You which features only vocals and bass or Blue Skies with its light 70s funk. Latz travels into foreign territory, Brazil
with her original E Luxo Só and on
the cover Corcovado (Quiet Nights, Quiet Stars made famous by Astrud Gilberto). The titular track, Fig Tree also contributes
a fun and zestful performance to the CD.
It’s hard to come up with any new adjectives not already
used by music critics to describe Latz’s voice or style. So I just decided to enjoy what’s on offer,
14 carefully chosen tunes with a good balance of covers and originals. You would think by now, I would be tired of
hearing Moon River or Embraceable You, two songs covered by
contemporary jazz artists, but not if the tunes receive a makeover as they do
here. Latz also sings in a variety of
styles here from swinging jazz to blue notes on You’d Be So Nice Come Home To, which on this recording recalls
Madeleine Peyroux and Billy Holiday, rather than its author Cole Porter.
I could go with 14 tracks, but I would rather you pick up
this recording for yourself and indulge yourself with this fresh jazz
voice. As far as I know, jazz centers on
improvisation and interpretation while delving into a palette of vibrant
emotions. And if that’s the case, Ms
Latz is spot on.
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