2012-03-16
Detroit native jazz violinist Maureen Choi takes her quartet into a set of familiar standards and one original. Having a violin as the lead instrument helps tremendously so the covered-so-many-times songs such as "Caravan," "Sunny" and "'Round Midnight" feel fresh. The cover of the great Etta James tune "At Last" is exquisite. Applause is also due for the lone original here, "Alegria," which makes one interested in hearing more Choi tunes in the future. There aren't many jazz violinists playing lead these days--Regina Carter is the main exception to this--so it is pleasing to see a young artist begin a career using that special instrument in such talented ways. 03/12 Michael J. J-Contemporary (violin)
DAVID WIATROLIK
Dave and the Gin Mill Gypsies
ETIENNE CHARLES
Kaiso
TED NASH QUARTET
The Creep
JEFF HEALEY & THE JAZZ WIZARDS
Its Tight Like That
VARIOUS ARTISTS
Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Highlights, Volume 1
FOG
TRI Sessions Vol. 1
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