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Lisa Thorson: Lisa Thorson Quartet - Live

By C. Michael Bailey
January 12, 2015
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Lisa Thorson: Lisa Thorson Quartet - Live

Lisa Thorson is a Boston-based vocalist and educator (she is a professor of voice at Berklee College of Music). She has release three recordings: From This Moment On (Brownstone, 1994), Resonance (GM Recordings, 1999) and Out to Sea (Self Produced, 2002). Even a dedicated teacher must spread her creative wings from time to time, and Thorson does so the present Lisa Thorson Quartet Live recorded at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston (a favorite haunt for fellow Boston vocalists

Rebecca Parris

vocals
1951 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Rebecca Parris and

Louise Alexandra (Koopman)

vocals

" data-original-title="" title="">Louise Alexandra (Koopman)).

Thorson is a thoughtful and conservative programmer. For this performance she uses her regular piano trio, keeping things simple. Her song choices are refreshing as she combs the Songbook for lesser known gems and unknown classics. Thorson opens her set with wordless vocals on the

Charlie Parker

saxophone, alto
1920 - 1955

" data-original-title="" title="">Charlie Parker contrafact "Blues for Alice." Thorson and the band stake out their claim on jazz bona fides from the get to with this bebop tune. Pianist Tim Ray (who also arranged the piece) buffs a thoroughly contemporary shine on this older form. His introduction and soloing are taut and angular, all edges and creases. Thorson is crisp and precise delivering Parker's devilish head.

Thorson takes Martino and Brighetti's "Estate" for a languid ride that is properly accented by drummer

George Schuller

drums
b.1958

" data-original-title="" title="">George Schuller's undulating percussion. Ray submits a densely rhythmic solo that enhances Thorson's melodic tension. Thorson riffs the Portuguese flawlessly on "Ponteio." Her scat chops are elastic, recalling

Betty Carter

vocals
1929 - 1998

" data-original-title="" title="">Betty Carter and

Ella Fitzgerald

vocals
1917 - 1996

" data-original-title="" title="">Ella Fitzgerald. Bassist

Dave Clark

guitar

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Clark propels the piece from beneath while Ray provides just enough chaos to keep the arrangement interesting.

Lisa Thorson Quartet Live demonstrates that it is a good thing for a teacher to venture out and practice their chosen expression. Thorson does so in grand style with this rare and well-chosen recital.

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Track Listing

Blues for Alice; There��s a Lull in My Life; Estate; Ponteio; Hearing Thing Too & Chorado; Mood Indigo; Everything I Love.

Personnel

Lisa Thorson

vocals

MuLisa Thorson: vocals; Tim Ray: piano; David Clark: bass; George Schuller: drums.

Album information

Title: Lisa Thorson Quartet - Live | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: Self Produced

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