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)Johanna Sillanpaa
From This Side
River Rogues Jazz Band
From Fats to Satch
Manuel Valera Trio
The Seasons
Various Artists
Upstairs at Larry's: Lawrence Welk Uncorked
Sakésho
We Want You to Say...
The RH Factor
Distractions
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