Album Notes

The intimacy created by these two artists in this formidable and eloquent duo setting is palpable in every sound they make, as well as in the silences in between. With some at times advanced harmonic episodes, contrasted by sections of modal and rhythmic repose, the listener is taken on a magic carpet ride through the subtler shadows of the jazz idiom with its ever-wider embrace of all styles of music. Ms. de Souza laces surreal poetry throughout the album which reflects upon subjects such as the modern era of the Internet, Web 2.0, social networking and online dating. These departures range from intense to comedic as we clearly get the sense of her take on the effect technology has had on relationships.

The order and unfolding of these pieces is well-balanced and, while much of the album is on the meditative and introspective side, syncopation and rhythmic vitality are also well-represented. In Ms. de Souza's vocal performance, you feel her authentic power and personal connection to the lyrics. Mr. Lande is an astonishingly spontaneous and creative pianist. At times it seems an uncanny telepathy is present between them both, traversing a wide swath of emotional states musically portrayed sometimes within mere seconds, such as in their interpretations of “I Thought About You.” Studio recording techniques such as delay, multi-tracking, and various bandpass filters are utilized on several tracks when de Souza takes us on one of her reflective excursions through the ruminations of her inner thoughts as in “All the Things You Are.”

Listeners expecting a “straight ahead” jazz album will be in for a surprise, but will not be disappointed. Many traditional standards are present, as are the familiar swing and bossa elements, and bluesy scatting. The presence of non-traditional jazz instruments strikes strong contrasts. It is clear that both of these musicians brought an extraordinary wealth of influences and experiences from music and from life to the recording studio for this album which makes for a deep listening experience of improvisational exploration through the familiar and the unusual. This music will not only entertain you, it just might transform you.--Review by Dr. Jason Martineau, composer, author of "The Elements of Music: Melody, Rhythm, and Harmony," and contributor to "Quadrivium: The Four Classical Arts of Number, Geometry, Music & Cosmology"

Visit www.christinadesouza.com for artist information and for links to YouTube videos on Christina de Souza's channel.

Independently released on the Queen Crone Productions label, highlights of the recording are a rare, vocal rendition of “Autumn Nocturne”; “Blanche Comme La Neige,” a gothic French folk song reharmonized only as Art Lande can do it; a humorous de-arrangement of “Beautiful Love” with a rant about Internet dating; and Sting's “Lullabye for an Anxious Child.” “All the Things You Are” may be the only recording available with Art singing and “Chthonic” is an improvisation for melodica and voice in Cantonese. Their interpretation of “Lazy Afternoon” is sublime (also available as single digital download).

“Christina is luscious, deep, and passionate.”—Cookie Marenco, five-time Grammy nominee and Gold Record producer
“The rants make Patricia Barber look like Candy Girl!”—Dr. Jason Martineau
“Sweet, languorous, and funny.”—Eric Lipsitt, MD