Album Notes

The songs we selected for this CD were simply based on the fact that we liked them -- no definitive style or direction was in mind during the selection process. But after listening to the collection of recorded tunes, it became clear that what each of them allude to is the tenuous nature of intimacy. We've not much control over where it comes from or where it lands. "Comes love, nothing can be done." Even Lola's attempts to seduce suggest an uncertain outcome, but that does not stop her or any of us from trying to grasp & perhaps hold on to what we conceive as love.

What we did plan for in making this CD was to bring together some of the most creative, vibrant musicians we knew -- those who would be capable of infusing the sound with texture, color, and depth. First and foremost, Ed Moss, my musical partner, mentor, and friend forever, is the pianist, composer, arranger, and overall director for this project. Paavo Jarvi, Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, describes Ed as "the 'Godfather' of Cincinnati jazz" and considers him to be "one of the world's greatest living jazz pianists." For this project, Ed "hand-picked" each of the players. He was determined to include Ken Karsh, the remarkedly gifted guitarist who traveled from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati to record with us. Ed played with Ken only once in Cincinnati. Their musical union was one of those instant, intuitive dances you can't force or plan. The magic just happened, and Ed knew he had to record with Ken. I'm happy to have had this opportunity as well. The multi-talented Gordon Brisker, who plays saxes, flute, and clarinet, is another virtuoso who was brought into the project thanks to Ed's intuition about what would work. Ed brought me to the Blue Wisp Jazz Club two days before our recording session so that I could hear Gordon and have him join us. I was getting nervous about budget and bringing someone on board at the last second, but within half a minute of hearing Gordon play, I knew he was a perfect fit. He inspired me throughout the session. And the bedrock of our recording, our dynamic rhythm section is second to none. Mike Sharfe on bass and Jim Leslie on drums have played with Ed for years, and are long-time members of Ed's "Society Jazz Orchestra". Theirs is a tight, yet fluent, interplay, each anticipating the other's moves. Not only do Mike and Jim provide a solid musical backbone, but interweave a fine melodic sensibility as well. I have had the privilege of playing with them in the past , and was thrilled to have the chance to record with them.

I hope you enjoy our music, and here's hoping that love comes to and remains with you.

Pamela

P.S. On a sad note, shortly after this recording was made, our friend Gordon Brisker died after a brief illness. We believe that this CD captures some of his great spirit and zest for life, and dedicate it lovingly to his memory.
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REVIEW:
by Rick Bird, The Cincinnati Post (12/9/04)

Veteran jazz pianist Ed Moss has hooked up again for a second CD with vocalist Pam Ross. The richly textured 16-cut effort, "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me," features Ross' playful vocals on her favorite standards. A bittersweet note is the marvelous work of the late Gordon Brisker on sax, clarinet and flute. This is Brisker's last local recording session before he died in September at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer. His standout work is a reminder of why he is so missed on the local jazz scene.

Moss's intricate arrangements let Ross elegantly swing on such songs as the Duke Ellington title cut to Bobby Troup's "Baby All the Time." Moss and Ross put a new twist on Irving Berlin's "What'll I Do," turning it into a sort of crying-in-your-beer country ballad.

"It's a little country, a little Coltrane," Moss said with a laugh.