ELIZABETH SHEPHERD CD RELEASE WITH DENZAL SINCLAIRE
On a
cool fall evening, I decided to attend a great double bill celebrating the
release of a CD from an accomplished singer/songwriter. The artists:
Elizabeth Shepherd and special guest Denzal Sinclaire.
This
concert celebrated Elizabeth Shepherd’s fourth album as a leader, Re:
Wind. It is a departure of sorts from
her original fare that was served on her past three albums. This time, it is quirky and invigorating
interpretations of jazz standards, cabaret, and pop music.
Denzal
Sinclaire opened the evening with a great set of standard material, accompanied
with such aplomb by young bassist Devon Henderson. Through their brief set they went through
Denzal’s many wonderful jazz hits, ranging from his takes of “I Got Rhythm” to
“Nature Boy”. Denzal’s voice was pure
like crystal, and smooth like silk.
Devon’s bass playing was very rhythmic, well oiled, and full of life and
vitality.
Elizabeth
Shepherd, backed by long-time drummer Colin Kingsmore and bassist Gord Mowatt,
became the main event with her rhythmic, soulful take on the jazz standard
along with her singer/songwriter material.
From when I first heard her at a restaurant years ago until now, she has
matured and blossomed into a Canadian jazz treasure that manages to challenge
and surprise the listener with her lyrical chances and rhythmic interplay.
Since
the music speaks for itself, here is both a video of Denzal Sinclaire
performing “Nature Boy” and Elizabeth Shepherd with special guest Andrew
Downing performing “Lonely House”.
ELIZABETH
SHEPHERD OFFICIAL WEB-SITE
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