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by Rick Holland
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 Sunday In New York | | Personnel: Libby York (vocals), Frank Wess (tenor sax), Renee Rosnes (piano), Todd Coolman (bass), Billy Drummond (drums) | | Tracks:Midnight Sun, Sunday in New York, Waltz for Debby, Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You, Down in Brazil, I Go for That, All My Tomorrows, In the Wee Small hours, Like Someone in Love, That's All | |
Libby York
Sunday in New York
Fans of Libby York have more to look forward to. Libby is joined by veteran Basie saxophonist Frank Wess, plus Todd Coolman, Billy Drummond and Renee Rosnes, to deliver a cool set of elegant standards. Libby sounds remarkably comfortable with this rhythm section, as the band captures a group dynamic that is musical and entertaining to listen to.
The strength of Libby’s style is her ability to tell a story. Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You is a wonderful example of this talent. Her diction is clear, precise, and she really swings. I loved Billy Drummond’s cymbal work, and how he play’s so on top at the point of phrases, then relaxes the tempo as the verse dictates.
Pianist Renee Rosnes has many nice moments as well. From her intro. and set-up of an Evans-like interpretation on Waltz for Debby to her beautiful accompaniments found throughout this recording, she displays great taste and musicality. I really liked the rhythm in her lines in her solo’s, specifically, I Go For That. Her 1/8th notes swing so nicely in style with Libby’s swingin’ interpretation and husband Drummond’s fine cymbal work.
Frank Wess has some very nice moments on this disc as well. He is a great choice for Libby, their maturity with the music brings a soothing quality to this recording. Frank also has the innate ability to tell a story when improvising, playing one beautiful phrase after another. Check him out on Like Someone in Love, Midnight Sun (he starts the album, and sets the mood!) and Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good To You. Great, tasteful solo’s and beautiful call and responses.
Todd Coolman, one of those Jazz educators who practices what he preaches, fits nicely in this rhythm section. For me it’s rhythmic compatibility that marks a rhythm section’s concept and feel, Coolman has beautiful placements with Drummond’s choice cymbal work. He also play’s nice solo’s when called on, so stylistically correct, and melodically compatible to the style on this session.
Libby was quoted as saying, “ I was a happy girl in that company!” Well Libby, we’re in happy company listening to you and this marvelous group.
For more information about Libby York, please visit:
www.libbyyork.com
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Rick Holland |
| About the author: |
| A versatile musician and veteran performer in organizations such as the Louie Bellson Big Band (Chicago Based Band), Jimmy Dorsey, Mike Pendowski, Rob Parton , Buddy De Franco, Buselli-Wallrab and Terry Gibbs Bands, Rick Holland brings a wealth of experience and musicality to each performance. |
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