In addition to his stellar quartet, Redman adds vocalist Gabrielle Cavassa to perform repertoire from his first Blue Note release, “where are we”. The program is a diverse collection of American popular song, stretching from the Great American songbook to contemporary pop standards delivered with grace, intensity and poetic clarity.
Upon listening to the concert, Gabrielle’s voice is very soothing, romantic, poetic and it complements the music provided by the quartet in this show. She doesn’t do too much or too little with her voice, she ensures that her style gives beautiful foil to the presentation of the song. Upon hearing her in the opening number “Going to Chicago”, she presents a unique vocal quaility that allows Redman and this group to feed off her style and present their own response to her vocal delivery.
Joshua Redman’s quartet provided the same sensitivity and at times emotional intensity when responding to Gabrielle’s vocals or just feeding off musically towards the band members. For instance, on the “Stars Fell From Alabama/Alabama” number, his quartet provided a range of emotional intensity that keeps ramping up, allowing the members to feed off one other into a dynamic climax then resorts into a deep calm.
Probably one of my favourite numbers performed by the quintet was a lightly swinging take on the old standard “Rhode Island”. The lyrics were delivered in a romantic, innocent fashion and the band plays around the tune with swinging solos and a happy feel. As the concert was more somber and meditative, Redman’s quartet and Gabrielles voice brings a happy step and some lighthearted swing to the evening.
For my first time back since the pandemic, Koerner Hall delivers again and again with this presentation of great musicians in their prime. Joshua Redman shows himself to be capable modifying his style to accommodate a vocalist, and Gabriele is very sensational, sensitive and emotive which would serve her for years to come in the jazz industry. Another unique performance with very high-calibre musicianship and quality to spare.
