So in Love
Timucua Arts Foundation
"So in Love" is a delightful album of standards and pop tunes by vocalist Locheed and pianist Rottmayer's trio. Released in 2020, this album was recorded in 2011 at Ticumua Art House in Orlando, Florida. Locheed is a vocalist who recently headlined the Musica per i Borghi festival in Umbria, Italy, with The Perugia Big Band. She regularly tours with Michael Bolton and previously toured with Engelbert Humperdinck as a duet partner and backing- vocalist. Locheed has opened Arturo Sandoval, has performed and recorded with veteran clarinetist Allan Vaché, and also performed with Kenny Drew Jr., Bill Allred, La Lucha, John Lamb, and Jeff Rupert. Rottmayer is a jazz pianist, composer, and jazz vibraphonist who has been a pianist at Walt Disney World since 1999 and currently the Instructor of Jazz Piano at the University of South Florida. He led a trio with Chuck Archard on electric bass and Keith Wilson on drums on this recording.
Two takes of Cole Porter's title song bookends the performances here. Bassist Archard sets the mood with a bouncy bass riff as Locheed capturing the listener's attention with her tuneful, breezy, dreamy singing. Rottmayer's spare, melodic backing and lead solos enhance her vocals. There is also supple support from Archard and Wilson. Locheed delights on Jobim's classic "Aqua De Beer," while her pensive vocal on Monk's "Round Midnight" displays her ability.
There is a gorgeous, swinging rendition of "I Love Paris" that sports a choice arrangement from Archard. Archard also provided the arrangement for Paul Simon's "Something So Right." She captures every nuance of meaning in the lyrics. Another song from outside the American songbook is a melodious rendition of Christopher Cross' "Sailing." Then there is the soft, intimacy of Michel Legrand's "Windmills of Your Mind," and the heartfelt romance she expressed singing "La Vie en Rose."
There is so much to enjoy listening to on this album. Ashley Locheed and the Chris Rottmayer Trio have produced a first-rate, captivating recording.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a video of Ashley Locheed and Chris Rottmayer from 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment