2012-03-16
Detroit native jazz violinist Maureen Choi takes her quartet into a set of familiar standards and one original. Having a violin as the lead instrument helps tremendously so the covered-so-many-times songs such as "Caravan," "Sunny" and "'Round Midnight" feel fresh. The cover of the great Etta James tune "At Last" is exquisite. Applause is also due for the lone original here, "Alegria," which makes one interested in hearing more Choi tunes in the future. There aren't many jazz violinists playing lead these days--Regina Carter is the main exception to this--so it is pleasing to see a young artist begin a career using that special instrument in such talented ways. 03/12 Michael J. J-Contemporary (violin)LARRY GOLDINGS
In My Room
ALLEN TOUSSAINT
The Bright Mississippi
The Mackrosoft
Antonio's Giraffe
Stanton Moore Trio
Emphasis (on Parenthesis)
BILLY BANG QUINTET FEATURING FRANK LOWE
Above & Beyond: Live in Grand Rapids
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Smooth Chill
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