Review
Here is the review as it appeared in the May issue of "Jersey Jazz. Joseph Lang
For 14 years, TRISH, HANS & PHIL have been making very hip sounds in Washington state, the kind of sounds that you expect to find in a place like New York City, Los Angeles or Chicago. Over the years vocalists Trish Hatley, Hans Brehmer, who also plays piano, and Phil Demaree, who also serves as the group’s bassist, have built up a book of considerable size. They have wanted to produce a recording for quite a while, and now, with the ironically titled "Greatest Hits, Volume 1" (THP Productions – No Catalog #), they have released their initial CD. Aided by John Anderson on saxophone, Ken French on drums, Alan Keith on trumpet and Bill Anthony on trombone, they have put together a most enjoyable 16-track program that mixes standards and jazz tunes with a couple of side trips to the pop song catalog. On some tracks, they harmonize effectively, while on others one of them takes over the vocal spotlight. The arrangements by Brehmer and Demaree set the tunes nicely, and are well executed by all involved. Among the tracks that particularly appealed to me were “You’d be So Nice to Come Home To,” “Rio de Janeiro Blue” “A Night in Tunisia” and Jeanine.” They close with a neat take on “Brahms Lullaby.” One thing that comes through clearly is that this is a group that has a lot of fun performing, and you will have fun listening to them. (www.trishhansphil.com)
"They are bright, swinging and entertaining" Jim Wilkie JAZZ AFTER HOURS, NPR Radio
BIO
Trish Hans & Phil have a refreshing concept – three voices, tight harmonies, and great jazz interpretations of The American Songbook. Trish, Hans and Phil are one of the most innovative and entertaining groups in the Northwest today. In addition to their unique and superb musicianship, they convey a joyous and exhilarating sense of showmanship. They bring their novel approach to the classics, from Cole Porter and the Gershwins to Lennon and McCartney. With the story-line lyrics of Hans, the sultry tones of Trish and Phil’s dry wit, this exciting group combines their soaring, swinging vocals for a sound that is truly their own.
Trish, Hans, and Phil New York City Review September 14, 2007
By David Finkle
The voices of Seattle visitors Trish, Hans, and Phil are a perfect blend. When the three harmonize, the sounds they make are enough to soothe the savage breast in just about anyone. So why at the Metropolitan Room a week or so ago did the trio open with a Vegas lounge version of "The Way You Look Tonight" (Dorothy Fields-Jerome Kern)? Maybe they wanted to establish Trish Hatley as the lead singer. She does have a clarion voice made to nail standards.
In quick time, though, they may have lulled their audience — those, that is, who didn't already know who they are — into thinking nothing special was about to happen. But before you could say "watch out," they segued into a three-part arrangement of "Tuxedo Junction" (music by Erskine Hawkins, William Johnson, and Julian Dash; lyric by Buddy Feyne), and the air was suddenly charged with promise. That promise was fulfilled with the Beatles songs to which the triumvirate gave unexpectedly fresh settings. The first they rejiggered was "Got to Get You Into My Life" (John Lennon-Paul McCartney), which turned into only an appetizer for their later "Eleanor Rigby" (also Lennon-McCartney). For that one Hans Brehmer, the group's adventurous arranger, did plenty of chord ruminating in the bass clef.
The way the three look is a significant part of their appeal. Trish is tall, striking, her long hair definitely alluring. Goateed Hans has an amusing lean face — also a quick wit, which he showed off on words added to Cole Porter's "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To." Phil Demaree, whose roundish face ends with a lantern jaw, has a twinkle in his eye and does a fair amount of poker-facing. He doesn't say much. Twice he seconded remarks the other two made by commenting, "You're right." He was cute on the faster melody of Irving Berlin's counterpointed "You're Just in Love."
Presented by and at the Metropolitan Room,
34 W 22nd St., NYC.
Aug. 24 and 25.
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