SYLVIA BROOKS

SOLILOQUY

SBM Records

As a classically trained actor, singer and a lover of words and lyrics, Sylvia Brooks sings narratives that pulse with the vulnerabilities of life. She opens with “Soul Eyes” a Mel Waldren standard jazz tune, rich with a story about eyes that mirror the soul.

This is the 6^th album release for Sylvia Brooks.  She is joined by her longtime songwriting collaborator, arranger, pianist and co-producer Christian Jacob. They cover songs like Sting’s wonderful composition “Fragile,”

Brooks is also a composer with co-writers Christian Jacob and Scott, she sings a tune she was inspired to compose after viewing the exhibit of artist Sophie Calle’s work. Sylvia puts much emotion into “A Letter to Sophie.” Farzin Farhadi’s saxophone flutters like tears flowing from the brokenhearted Sophie’s eyes.

She, along with her co-writers, wrote a song for a young dancer with Down Syndrome who Sylvia Brooks witnessed during a dance recital. Titled, “Lizzie’s Dance,” with the hook arranged as a jazz waltz, the song applauds the dancer’s freedom and courage, although she’s out of step with the others, still secure in her own world.

On “Temptation” Kevin Axt, the bassist sets the tone and mood right from the beginning chord changes.  The arrangement is rock/jazz and spotlights Grant Geissman on guitar.

On the final ‘cover’ tune, Brooks returns to a standard jazz vocalist presentation on the song, “I Was Telling her About You.”  Using her vocal instrument, Sylvia weaves dramatic storytelling throughout this album using both her repertoire and her bold delivery.  This is a recording soaked in drama.  It could be a stage show, with the right ‘patter’ in between, using various stories and the cabaret songs delivered by Sylvia Brooks to her audience, with so much flavor and passion, perhaps this could be a hit Broadway Show.

SYLVIA BROOKS BAND: Sylvia Brooks, vocals; Christian Jacob, piano; Kevin Axt, acoustic & electric bass; Kevin Winard, drums/percussion; Grant Geissman, elec. & acoustic guitar; Farzin Farhadi, saxophone; Michelle Jensen, choral Director for Choir. CHOIR: Brian Sidders, Rebecca Tomasko, Eliya Franz, Makenna Malkin, Sophia Kaloustian, Benjamin Hall, Joshua McGowen, & Coen Sosa. 

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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