International Relations: Indra
The holidays are over, and I’ve been catching up on work; unfortunately, not all of it. Sorry to leave you hanging. I’m planning a trip in February to Moscow and to Dakar, Sengal. That should be an interesting exercise in packing.
Indra (Gateway Music)Released – February 1, 2010
The e-mail came From Indra Rios-Moore, in November: “I’ve found your blog and love your reviews.” Always a good start.
“I’m a ‘girl singer’ from NYC but currently living in Århus, Denmark,” she wrote. “Since moving here in 2007, I’ve been playing quite a lot with a lovely trio. We’re making our rounds with a new cd that we just recorded and that is being released on Denmark based, Gateway Records. Thought you might like to have a listen.”
Ms. Rios-Moore plays with a sparse band – Benjamin Trærup on saxophone and clarinet; and Thomas Sejthen on Bass. Just enough to frame her voice – supple, expressive. No tricks – just emotion where it’s needed, a nifty swing on the lighter tunes. It’s an eclectic mix of spirituals, gospel and tracks from the traditional songbook. 
Favorites of mine include the standards, “Teach Me Tonight” and “Cry Me A River;” along with the spiritual, “No More,” and a stopped-down version of blues-guy Brooks Williams’ “Mountain,” and a bolero from Mexican songwriter Ema Elena Valdemar, “Mil Besos.”
Heck, I just named half the album as favorites.
I’ll admit, it took me a second listen to get my head around the sparse band. But when I did, I enjoyed Ms. Rios-Moore’s voice even more.
The publicity blurb says Ms. Rios-Moore is studying at the University of Århus to receive a Master’s degre in International Relations.
She may not need a day job.
This is a quality first outing, and is very highly recommended.
I noticed that a “best of” was released over the holidays – of Sandy Posey’s work. For my money, overlooked too often in favor of Tammy Wynette. So for fun, we’ll leave this week with my favorite – not the easy choice, “Born A Woman,” but the more message-filled, “Single Girl.” See you soon.
Bookmark this article: 
Tags: Indra, Indra Rios-Moore, Sandy Posey
London’s Tanja Martisa dropped me a copy of the single, “Live For Today” – already released – from her upcoming UK/US release, Fragile (Freedom Music, Release 2010) It’s a gently swingy chanson in a French style. Ms. Martisa, who grew up in Paris and London, has a gently confident voice that evokes both Edith Piaf and Blossom Dearie – the single is smooth, quirky and endearing. The album, produced by Richard Niles, and featuring pianist Gwilym Simcock, is due out in the new year. The publicist promised to drop a copy of the full album in the mail when it’s released. I’m looking forward to it.
Speaking of modern art, I’ve been in a steep learning curve thanks to Connecticut singer and songwriter Ellynne Plotnick. Her Life is Beautiful (Released October 1, 2009) features what the publicity material calls a “sophisticated harmonic sense.” Presented with a teachable moment (mine), as my son, Wes, explained what the publicist meant when she said the music represented “jazz tensions such as 11th and 13th’s.” Wes says maybe it’s a little ahead of its time…for me. Like some new things, it’s an acquired taste. But it’s a taste I’m acquiring. I’m fond of the alternate take of the title track, and a latin-tinged “When The Going Gets Too Tough.”
Maryland’s Rhonda Apple dropped me a couple of her recent issues. One of these was Groovin’ (Jandal, Released 2003). Ms. Apple and musical partner Dale Britt stay busy making music in the Baltimore area for good reason. Her voice is warm and inviting – surprisingly soulful. No disrespect to the guys, but there are only two of them, and at times, her powerful voice threatens to overpower them. For this reason, my favorites were the ballads on this disc of pop standards – “Killing Me Softly” is one of those, as is the title track, “Groovin’”, and Jesse Harris’ “Don’t Know Why.” You’ll recognize that one right away as the 2002 Norah Jones Adult Contemporary/Smooth Jazz breakout hit. Nicely played, this one. Ms. Apple and the guys deserve a listen, and I’d love to hear her voice backed up by a big band.
Denise La Grassa – April Dreams
Sade – Soldier Of Love (Epic)
Kate Baldwin – Let’s See What Happens
My favorites include the money song from “Rainbow” – “How Are Things In Glocca Morra?” Also “How About You” from 1941’s “Babes On Broadway,” and a song I wasn’t familiar with, “I Don’t Think I’ll End It All Today,” from 1957’s “Jamaica,” whichr an for about a year and a half in the late fifties.