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Sarah L King: Fire Horse

By Neil Duggan
January 27, 2024
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Starting her musical path with coaching from Mike King, one of the UK's leading contemporary vocal coaches,

Sarah L King

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Sarah L King (no relation), surfaced as a solo jazz vocalist, releasing an EP of standards and several singles. Her passage was helped by a family heritage consisting of an accomplished jazz trumpeter father and an orchestral conductor grandmother. An early career as a writer and director of short films provided the right impetus to be a compelling musical narrator.

King's debut album, Fire Horse, has the multi-talented

Claire Martin

vocals
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Claire Martin producing. Martin and King have assembled a supporting band of top-level British musicians. They include

Jim Watson

keyboards

" data-original-title="" title="">Jim Watson on piano and keyboards. Watson brings extensive experience gained with artists of the calibre of

Kurt Elling

vocals
b.1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Kurt Elling and

Sting

bass, electric
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Sting. Likewise, electric bassist

Laurence Cottle

bass
b.1961

" data-original-title="" title="">Laurence Cottle has played with notable names such as

Jason Rebello

piano
b.1969

" data-original-title="" title="">Jason Rebello and

Eric Clapton

guitar and vocals
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Clapton. He also leads his own big band. Double bassist

Jeremy Brown

bass, acoustic

" data-original-title="" title="">Jeremy Brown has been a member of

Stacey Kent

vocals
b.1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Stacey Kent's group and is a professor of jazz double bass at the Royal Academy of Music. Drummer

Ian Thomas

drums

" data-original-title="" title="">Ian Thomas has recorded with

Robbie Robertson

bass, electric
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Robbie Robertson and BB King. Add the talents of

James McMillan

flugelhorn

" data-original-title="" title="">James McMillan on flugelhorn,

Chris Traves

trombone

" data-original-title="" title="">Chris Traves on trombone and

Ian Shaw

vocals
b.1962

" data-original-title="" title="">Ian Shaw, as well as Martin, on backing vocals and you have a cracking line-up.

King covers some classic tunes with considerable finesse. There is a sparkling, lightly-swinging version of "Devil May Care." King's vocal flies along with great clarity against the brisk tempo, with Watson's piano solo and Thomas's drums bringing added zest to the track. King's phrasing on one of

Billy Strayhorn

piano
1915 - 1967

" data-original-title="" title="">Billy Strayhorn's signature compositions, "Lush Life," is perfectly judged. She brings out the dissolution and weariness of the lyrics and immerses the listener in the song. King uses Gail Fisher's lyrics on the

Oliver Nelson

saxophone
1932 - 1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Oliver Nelson tune, "Stolen Moments." An entertaining track brings swing from McMillan and Traves, commanding vocals from King and a bass solo from Brown.

King contributes eight of her own compositions of love and regret. All the arrangements are well-constructed hybrids of smooth soul and gentle jazz. Her lyrics are refreshingly open and direct, especially on the heartfelt "Skyscapes" which concerns the death of her father.

The bittersweet "Born Yesterday" features bluesy piano; King's warm narrative style is ideal to shape the confessional lyrics. The light soulful funk of "Black Dog" builds over Cottle's muscular bass, neat backing vocals and keyboard solo. "Snow Blind" is a late album highlight with King's vocals reaching their elegant prime and Watson's tasteful piano providing her only accompaniment. "Your Biggest Fan" is another smooth success with Cottle providing fine support.

This is a highly assured and engaging debut which provides a neat blend of smooth soul and jazz. The first-rate arrangements allow King to showcase her clear and elegant vocals, wrapped up with soulful overtones. Her songwriting is open and emotional, with an occasional lyrical twist. A tasteful and sophisticated album which should have broad appeal.

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Track Listing

Holding On To Love; Devil May Care; Born Yesterday; Mystery Ride; Lush Life; As Though You Were Mine; Stolen Moments; Skyscapes; Black Dog; Show You The Way To Go; Snow Blind; Your Biggest Fan.

Personnel

Sarah L King

vocals

Jim Watson

keyboards

Laurence Cottle

bass

Jeremy Brown

bass, acoustic

Ian Thomas

drums

James McMillan

flugelhorn

Chris Traves

trombone

Claire Martin

vocals

Ian Shaw

vocals

Album information

Title: Fire Horse | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: ECN Music

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