Lauren White Ever Since the World Ended

Lauren White
Ever Since the World Ended
Café Pacific Records

"Ever Since the World Ended" is the fifth album by vocalist Lauren White who not only is an accomplished singer who has been an actress, performer on Broadway and Off-Broadway, and the successful producer on the HBO show "Homeland." Music, though, is central to her, and she regularly performs in clubs in Los Angeles and in New York, where she has a fanbase. The Quinn Johnson trio supports her. Pianist, arranger and producer Johnson's resume includes working with Diana Ross, Jack Sheldon, Diane Schuur, Tom Scott, Poncho Sanchez, Flora Purim, and many others in the jazz, pop, and Latin music worlds. This album is the fourth that White has made with Johnson, who produced, arranged, and played piano on this disc. The other members of the trio are Trey Henry on bass and Ray Brinker on drums. Kevin Winard adds percussion to one track, while Dolores Scozzesi adds vocals to the title track. Kevin Axt on bass, Alex Budman on flute, Grant Geissman on guitar, and Chris Wabich on drums.

Carmen McRae's "If You Never Fall In Love With Me" opens this short album with a sparkling Latin flavored accompaniment. White has a wonderful natural delivery, pitch being on the money, and a terrific sense of phrasing and dynamics. Johnson takes a fabulous solo here. White provides a reflective interpretation of the Bill Withers-Grover Washington classic "Just the Two of Us," again with Johnson shining. Mose Allison wrote the title song, and her rendition is perhaps a bit soberer than the pointed quality of Allison's original. Her performance of Bill Evans' "Remembering the Rain" was previously recorded. It is the one track not with the Quinn Johnson trio. Noteworthy on this song is Budman's flute and Geissman's Bossa infused acoustic guitar. Bassist Henry is prominent in the accompaniment of "Some of That Sunshine." Duke Ellington's "Take Love Easy" is performed at a brisker tempo than the song usually is performed at. Brinker is prominent in the backing and helps propel this sterling performance.

One wishes there were more than eight tracks and about a half-hour of music, but all the music here is excellent. "Ever Since the World Ended" is simply outstanding vocal jazz.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Lauren White and Dolores Scozzesi singing the title track.

David Finck BASSically Jazz

David Finck
BASSically Jazz
Burton Avenue Music

James Gavin writes about bassist David Finck, that he "may be the most versatile bassist in or out of jazz, fluent in the musical languages of Dizzy Gillespie, André Previn, Rosemary Clooney, George Michael, Phil Woods, Kenny Rankin, Hank Jones, Paquito D'Rivera, Ivan Lins, and Sheila Jordan, to name just a few of the stars on his resume." in his 40 years performing, he has explored and developed a remarkable voice on the bass.

This is his third album as a leader and puts his playing in full displaying with its full sound and his passion for melody and songwriting. He is joined on this recording by Joe Locke on vibes; Jim Ridl on piano; Cliff Almond on drums; Ali Ryerson on flute; Bob Mann on Guitar; Kevin Winard on percussion; and Mike Davis on trombone. Linda Ever and Alexis Cole are guest vocalists.

The embrace of melody is captured on "Old Devil Moon," that features Joe Locke's shimmering vibes, Ridl's tasteful piano and the graceful touch of Almond. Finck bass provides an anchor for a buoyant performance. Finck's bass kicks off the brisk pace of "The Song Is You." Ridl's crisp, rolling solo leads into a brief solo by Locke before Finck showcases his touch, tone and drive on several choruses. These selections also exhibit the marvelous ensemble playing that is present throughout the CD.

Guitarist Mann, with his nylon string guitar, is added to the captivating interpretation of the bossa nova classic "O Barquinho." Finck actually played "The Summer Knows" with its composer Michel Legrand and later with Broadway's Linda Eder who sings the lovely version here. Finck plays an atmospheric bowed bass solo here. "When I Look Into Your Eyes," from the movie "Dr. Doolittle," also showcases Finck's captivating Arco bass playing. His strong Pizzicato bass technique is showcased on "Alfie." Alexis Cole, the other guest vocalist, is featured on Finck's "I Love You So" where she ably handles the unusual rhythms and changing keys. Her clean, melodious delivery is also showcased on Toots Thielemans classic "Bluesette," which features Ali Ryerson's flute along with a brief bass break.

Ridl and Locke both are excellent on the swinging rendition of John Coltrane's "Moments Notice." Finck also takes a robust solo chorus, and Almond adds a crisp drum solo. Trombonist Davis displays a gravelly melodicism on the interpretation of "Tuyo (Theme From Narcos)" with Winard providing the breezy Latin rhythms. Finck even takes a vocal showcasing an attractive low-key style on the closing "All My Tomorrows."

"BASSically," provides David Finck with a showcase of his complete command of the bass. With his marvelous ensemble and the melodic compositions, he has produced an exquisite recording.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review appeared in the September-October 2019 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 386). Here is a video of David Finck in 2006 playing "Blue Bossa" as part of The Great Jazz Trio with pianist Hank Jones.