Album Notes

This cd was selected as one of the Best Nortwest Jazz cds of 2006 by DJ Jim Wilke of NPR-KPLU's Jazz Northwest and Jazz After Hours. No wonder.
On this recording, straight ahead and swinging jazz vocalist Dina Blade meets outside, hard bop trumpeter Jim Knodle and the results are unique and pleasurable. The mood is joyful, the rhythm section is killer (piano, bass, drums, congas), the romp through a plethora of gems from the Great American Songbook is playfully creative. Dina Blade's voice is in terrific form, especially on standards like "Just in Time" which finds her in her element. The perfectly swinging musical sense that is her trademark intensifies as she becomes uplifted and really "digs in" after hearing the astoundingly virtuosic bass solo of Larry Holloway. The rafters are raised! There are many different grooves to be enjoyed here, and those who delight in latin rhythms will find satisfaction in several cuts, including the sassy "Miami Beach Rhumba" and the searing, up tempo "Love", where Dina's vocal soars above the unusual accompaniment of congas, bass and trumpet. A real stand out is the Rodgers and Hart's classic "My Romance", also the title track, which easily flows from slow waltz to hard swing and back again, highlighting Dina's sensuous vibrato. In contrast is the obscure but compelling "New Coat of Paint", with its hip, angular trumpet lines that provide a hypnotic, surreal backdrop for Tom Wait's saucy lyric. Guest artist tenor saxophonist Craig Flory treats listeners to a few amazing choruses on the shuffle blues "I Don't Worry Bout a Thing" by Mose Allison. The lovely jazz waltz "Emily", with it's rarely heard lyric is sure to please, along with the haunting ballad "But Beautiful", performed as a sparse but very effective bass and voice duet. Pianist and arranger Hans Brehmer contributed "vocalese" (additional lyrics) to two songs, adding humor to "Give Me the Simple Life" and intrigue to "Weaver of Dreams". The diversity of material presents something for everyone, and showcases the versatility of this vocalist who is passionate about finding well-crafted songs and bringing forth their best qualities. Above all, Dina Blade is a refreshingly natural singer with a great sense of time and swing: assets that continue to make her an audience favorite.