LISA RICH

I STILL RISE

Tritone Records

Lisa Rich, vocals; Marc Copland, piano; Drew Gress, bass; Dave Ballou, trumpet.

Lisa Rich had me in the palm of her hand after I heard her unique and creative interpretation of the standard “No Moon at All.”  Her creativity and improvised approach to timing and note choices was impressive. With just her voice, along with Drew Gress on bass, she delivers a wonderful rendition of this song full of emotion and surprise. She slow-swings through the jazz tune, like the seasoned musician that she is. Drew Gress is supportive and tonally beautiful during this duet presentation.

The title of this album came to Lisa during a time of national protest.  Although she wanted to join the protest marches, those days were over. But, she thought, “I can still sing about it.”  She immediately created a poem she calls “How Can We Sing About Freedom?”  Then she put it to music. Based in the blues, she offers her ideas to a troubled world.  This time the harmonically rich chords of Marc Copland’s piano accompany the vocalist, along with her bass player to support her song idea.

You may be wondering where the drummer is in this production.  Rich wanted to explore a different sonic palette this time around.

“I liked the idea of creating more space for my voice and for the intimate interaction it allows with the other musicians,” Lisa Rich explained.

Ms. Rich has graced stages in India, appeared at the Kennedy Center, served as an Artist-in-residence at the Smithsonian Institution, and was often heard on NPR’s famous Voice of America program. Early in her esteemed career, she recorded two acclaimed albums: “Touch of the Rare” (1985) with the Clare Fischer Quartet and “Listen Here” (1983).

She makes an artistic statement when singing the lovely Bill Evans tune, “The Two Lonely People.”  I am inspired by her lyrical interpretation, with her voice swooping up to unexpected intervals, smooth as cake batter, and just as sweet. One of my favorite tunes is “Estate” and this vocalist does not disappoint, offering her own enrichment of the song, sung in Italian.

As a scat queen, Lisa Rich tackles Paul Desmond’s “Take Five” said to be the best-selling jazz single of all time.  Ms. Rich brings joy and playfulness to the tune, using her voice like a flute on steroids. She refreshes an old standard, the way Al Jarreau did when he sang it.  Lisa brings her own magic wand to the production, swinging it around, leaving a trail of sparkles to dance about my listening room like misappropriated stars.

I’m spellbound with her approach to Thelonious Monk’s tune “It’s Over Now (Well You Needn’t)” that is enhanced by the muted horn of Dave Ballou. Her improvised melody is fresh and inventive. The band’s staccato, Latin approach to refresh this jazz standard is appreciated.

Here is a musical artist that makes you feel every note, every word, every emotion, every phrase. With every short story sung, Lisa Rich captivates and inspires.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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