| Jazz |
Here is a remarkable album which, in my view, is a holiday season album in all but name. It unfolds in a gentle, subdued atmosphere, graced by the performances of outstanding vocalists such as Stephanie Porter, Greta Matassa, Nancy Erickson Lamont, and Angela Petrucci. The composer and multi-instrumentalist Christopher Boscole contributes his talents on soprano saxophone, piano, organ, string synthesizer, and electric piano, marking his 14th production.
As you know, I am not typically a fan of cover albums, but this one, dedicated to love, is a rare exception. Wonderfully arranged and performed, it boasts an extraordinary ensemble of musicians, including Brian Monroney and Christopher Woitach on guitars, Clipper Anderson and Chris Symer on bass, and Mark Ivester and Steve Yusen on drums. The album concludes with a rendition of My Funny Valentine, a piece so frequently mishandled by various artists that I approach every new interpretation with trepidation. Yet here, from the very first notes of its exquisitely crafted instrumental introduction, the arrangement captivates, lending profound depth to this classic.
The final vocal track on the album is the 13th, A Time for Love, which also lends its name to the album. This piece, performed by Nancy Erickson Lamont, is a standout, showcasing the same artistry that distinguished her previous album, Through the Passage, which I reviewed here: Paris Move Review.
Christopher Boscole’s music has consistently ranked among the top 10 most played on new age radio stations. Raised in a musical household with a mother who was both a singer and piano teacher, Boscole developed a strong foundation in music under her guidance. He went on to study classical piano for several years with Mikiko Miyamoto, earning accolades in competitions. Additionally, he studied saxophone with Bill Wicker and performed in school jazz bands before transitioning to rock groups. His career as a pianist and keyboardist in Seattle saw him collaborating with notable artists such as Diane Schuur, Phil Sheeran, Michael Powers, and Jay Thomas, as well as playing with Top 40 bands like Modern Dance, Yankee, and Impala during an Air Force USO tour.
This dedication to excellence forms the backbone of this meticulously crafted album, where every detail, from the instrumentation to the vocals, has been carefully considered. The only minor critique one might offer is the desire for a few more upbeat tracks. Nevertheless, this is a near-perfect album, earning a well-deserved four-star rating—a testament to its quality, even as a collection of covers.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, December 4th 2024
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