Time, Seasons and the Moon – Lee Prosser, Jazzreview.com
Perfect production values, perfect jazz vocals, perfect instrumental performances is what Linda Tate’s Time, Seasons and the Moon is all about! 17 selections totaling 70:41 minutes of pure enjoyment for the jazz listener in this splendid CD collection of musical treasures. A first-rate CD in all aspects.
Linda Tate is one of the finest, smoothest vocalists performing in contemporary jazz, and this CD showcases her sweet, clear voice. Linda Tate is one of the most expressive, subtle vocalists in the jazz world. Time, Seasons and the Moon brings together a stellar group of Chicago’s finest jazz musicians.
There are two duets with Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Paulinho Garcia on the Cole Porter classic, “I Concentrate On You,” and Steve Swallow’s sensitive song titled “Falling Grace.” This version of “I Concentrate On You” is a perfect rendition and deserves much airplay time as does “Falling Grace.” Tate and Garcia perform vocal magic together on both selections. “I Concentrate On You” also features Steve Eisen on tenor saxophone and Heitor Garcia on percussion. Steve Eisen performs on flute on “Falling Grace.” The Richard Rogers/Lorenz Hart “When or Where” is given great treatment with Bradley Williams accompanying Linda Tate on piano, with John Whitfield on bass and Greg Sergo on drums. Bradley Williams gives an excellent piano solo on this great old standard, well worth listening to several times! Also, check out Johnny Frigo giving a great violin solo performance on “‘Tis Autumn.”
Linda is joined with Bradley Parker-Sparrow at the piano on his original composition titled “Have You Seen The Moon?” with Curtis Robinson on electric guitar, Jim Cox on bass, Greg Sergo on drums, and the genius Johnny Frigo on violin in one of his most memorable performances, and the very gifted Richie Fudoli on clarinet. A fine selection to savor! “Moonlight In Vermont” showcases the perfect blending of violinist Johnny Frigo and clarinetist Richie Fudoli with Linda Tate. Excellent solo work.
For a lively dose of fun, there is Linda doing a lively version of “Zip A Dee Doo Dah” with Bradley Williams on piano and John Whitfield on bass with Greg Sergo on drums. And for some more fine solo work, take a listen to Bobby Schiff on piano and Kathy Kelly on vibes with Linda on “Moonfall.”
Lots of good music on this CD, with such selections as “I Wished On The Moon,” “‘Tis Autumn,” an excellent rendition of “Just In Time,” “A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square,” “From This Moment On,” “September In The Rain,” among others. Every instrumental solo on Time, Seasons and the Moon is a perfect gem!
If you are looking for something totally enjoyable and totally together, this CD should be on the top of your shopping list for yourself, friends, lovers, whoever you can think of! If you have not purchased this CD yet, please do so and become part of some memorable musical memories!
Time, Seasons and the Moon is Linda Tate at her very best! Five stars!