“The Other Side of the River” Phyllis Chapell & SIORA

This magnificent collection of well-conceived & arranged tunes manages to maintain the spirit and the ‘sound’ of SIORA.  I believe this is the first SIORA album since the passing of Dan Kleiman (co-Founder with Phyllis Chapell).

Phyllis has skillfully surrounded herself with ‘sidemen’ (both former and new) having the ability to perform the rhythmic and harmonic complexities that characterize SIORA’s music selectivity.  

With respect to ‘sidemen’, electric bassist, Rob Swanson, in particular, is a favorite of mine.  I was so moved by his lyrical solos when I had attended the concert at the Wildflower Festival a while back.  His sound is distinctive, in-tune & beautiful.  Please note Rob’s solo in “Shenandoah” around the late Dan Kleiman’s superb changes (played brilliantly by Dave Posmontier).   I vividly recall Rob’s strong support of - & simpatico with - what Dan was creating on keyboards.  I accentuate the word creative because Dan Kleiman was one of THE most inventive pianists I have ever heard.

Back to Phyllis:  I still cannot fathom how one individual can sing in so many different languages.  Although I am not a linguist, friends have confirmed to me that her Italian, Spanish, and Hebrew (at least) are all quite accurately executed.

In addition, she effortlessly/successfully carries out amazing rhythmic and metrical complexities that occur throughout each piece.  Phyllis’ intonation is always ‘spot on’ and her guitar playing (e.g. “Here’s To Life”) is stylistic, well-performed, and an excellent change of pace from piano backgrounds.

All in all, I adore this CD and I shall definitely share it with fellow musicians.

Al Hirschhorn   2/11/2011
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