Kim Nazarian – Some Morning
Released – October 16, 2015
Recorded at sessions streatching from 2008 to 2014 – literally years in the making – this is Kim Nazarian’s first solo outing. She breaks away from singing soprano as one of the founding members of New York Voices, that tight harmony group critic Scott Yanow calls “One of the best (and only) jazz vocal groups of the 1990s…”
The only question would be – what took so long? Riding the line between songbook, vaguely familiar, and original material, Trombonist (and husband) Jay Ashby masterfully arranges the album, recorded in so many places and at so many times, into a set that hangs together nicely.
Make no mistake, though – it’s Ms. Nazarian who’s inside that frame, and stunning, whether handling the sweet “Que Sera Sera,” a call/answer (with guitarist/vocalist) John Pizzarelli on Sunny Skylar’s “Gotta Be This Or That,” the poignant “What’ll I Do,” or intricate vocalese on Mr. Ashby’s original (and set closer), the great-big band “Road To Kursk.”
“Que Sera Sera” was a family affair, featuring Greg Nazarian, Ms. Nazarian’s father, on saxophone. Adding vocals is Ian Ashby, her son. Brother-in-law, guitarist Marty Ashby, is featured on several tracks, with a nice solo on Cole Porter’s “So In Love.”
Ms. Nazarian says she hopes the project introduce her abilities as a lyricist and arranger, and will allow her opportunities to tour with her family. I’m not sure she really needs to prove anything further. This outing is stunningly spot-on not only in its technical execution, but also in her ability to deftly interpret the diverse range of material.
The credits are lengthy, as the tracks were recorded at eight locations over that six-year period. Notables sitting in for a track or two include the aforementioned Mr. Pizzarelli, reed guy (and winner of 14 Grammys) Paquito D’Rivera, Gary Burton on vibes, and Sean Jones on Trumpet.
This set is very highly recommended.
Highlighted tracks were added to the playlist at 62ndStreet.com radio.