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Sherie Marshall
The Sweetest
Sounds represents the long-awaited debut solo jazz recording
of vocalist Sherie Marshall in collaboration with guitarist
Mike Cadó. Featuring primarily an ensemble consisting
of vocals, guitar, and acoustic bass, the CD presents
a unique interpretation of jazz standards and lesser
known compositions in a truly intimate setting. Marshall
succeeds in tackling technically challenging repertoire
while still infusing her extremely personal and inimitable
style.
Although
bassist Pat Collins graces most of the selections on
the CD, several tracks feature Alan Henderson, composer,
bassist, and co-founder of the legendary group Time
Warp, and Juno Award winning bassist Andrew Downing.
In addition to the trio, the group is augmented by guest
soloists on various tracks including the world-renowned
Guido Basso on flugelhorn and harmonica, alto saxophonist
Andy Ballantyne, clarinetist John MacMurchy, and tenor
saxophonist and flautist Patricia Wheeler. Drummer Barry
Romberg also provides an array of tasteful percussion
and drumming throughout the recording.
The
eighteen selections on The Sweetest Sounds represent
a wide spectrum of styles including a number of sultry
ballads, traditional blues, latin-inspired classics,
and hard-swinging standards that are sure to please
any music enthusiast. The Richard Rodgers classic, and
title track “The Sweetest Sounds” cleverly
modulates between a salsa-groove and straight-ahead
swing and emphasizes Marshall’s impeccable ability
to float over the rhythm section while continuing to
interact musically. Guido Basso’s always tasteful
musicianship is demonstrated on the swinging “Please
Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone”
which also features Cadó on guitar and Collins
on bass. His flugelhorn solo on the lesser-known classic
“Blue Gardenia” and harmonica work on Thelonius
Monk’s “Pannonica (Little Butterfly)”
are absolutely brilliant. Marshall’s exceptional
phrasing and feel are complimented by Ballantyne’s
elegant alto playing which is featured on the bossa-nova
inspired “My Old Flame,” the funky interpretation
of “Tenderly,” the haunting Ornette Coleman
free-jazz composition “Lonely Woman,” and
the beautiful “You Don’t Know Me,”
a ballad associated with the late genius Ray Charles.
Demonstrating her ability to adapt to any musical situation,
Marshall also delivers heart-felt blues renditions of
“Baby Get Lost,” a sassy version of the
Dinah Washington jump-blues “Good Daddy Blues”
and the evocative Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic
“I Put A Spell On You.” The playful Helen
Kane (“Boop-Boop-A-Doop”- girl) classic
“Do Something” swings hard after a rubato
guitar and vocal intro and features the fiery clarinet
of John MacMurchy interacting with the feisty vocalist.
Saxophonist Patricia Wheeler contributes her own gentle
waltz “(Prayer To A) Child Of Mine,” in
addition to exceptionally imaginative arrangements of
Henry Mancini’s “Dreamsville,” and
Cole Porter’s “All Through the Night”
that are superbly handled by Marshall’s stunning
ability to interpret the lyric and make it her own.
 Despite
the multitude of styles and instrumental configurations,
this recording succeeds in creating a unified mood throughout
which in turn, reflects the extremely versatile talents
of vocalist Sherie Marshall. This debut CD captures
the essence of Marshall as the consummate performer
willing to interact and engage with atypical repertoire
while still maintaining a unique individual and intimate
style. However, the artistry exemplified in the performances
never overshadows the sheer enjoyable listening experience
presented on The Sweetest Sounds.
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