Karen Blixt

Mad Hope

2008-03-24

On her second CD she collaborates again with arranger/producer Frank Martin (Stevie Wonder, Sting, Patti Austin, Angela Bofill, Al Jarreau, Dori Caymmi) in a program of 7 originals; instrumentals by John McLaughlin and Paul Desmond to which she set vocals; and covers that are not standard vocal fare like Joe Zawinul’s “Shadow And Light” & Charlie Parker’s “Billie’s Bounce” in a remarkable arrangement featuring bass clarinet and bassoon. Blixt’s all-star band of Abraham Laboriel, José Neto, Alex Acuña, Will Kennedy and Patrice Rushen is joined by guests Randy Brecker, Sheldon Brown, Paul Hanson and Kenny Washington. “On Mad Hope, we wanted to produce some really different material,” Blixt said. “Different in the sense of going beyond simply re-interpreting the Great American Songbook. That meant writing new material in a variety of ways, using several odd-meters and different feels like jazz/funk, Latin/world, ballads and straight ahead jazz.” An astounding recording that delivers confident, assured and radiant vocals through an incredibly diverse and creative selection of songs. – All About Jazz

Quick Links:

• Website of Karen Blixt