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Andrea Wolper: Parallel Lives

By Dan Bilawsky
September 21, 2011
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Andrea Wolper isn't just a jazz singer. Hearing her mid-song monologue with bass accompaniment, during her own "The Girls In Their Dresses," makes it clear that she's actually an actress choosing to communicate through the medium of jazz, and an utterly original one at that. On Parallel Lives, Wolper explores the music of

Joni Mitchell

vocals
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">Joni Mitchell,

Hoagy Carmichael

piano
1899 - 1981

" data-original-title="" title="">Hoagy Carmichael, Richard Rodgers, and Duncan Sheik, to name just a few, and she brings a dramatic flair to the work of each and every artist that she encounters.

Wolper is no purist, but her music is all delivered with purity and a sense of purpose that speaks volumes about the confidence she has in her artistry. She swings in snazzy fashion on Mitchell's "Be Cool," as she trades solos with guitarist Michael Howell, and reaches back to the singer/songwriter's beginnings with a breathtaking performance of "Song To A Seagull," delivered atop an impressionistic backdrop. While Wolper revels in the excitement that's created during many of these songs, she's at her absolute best in calmer environments, with the pared-down accompaniment on "Skylark" and "Maple Sugar Boy."

The only number that really fails to connect is "Blue Wind." The introduction is a collage of random sounds and, while interest is perked with the seemingly intentional clashes between Howell and pianist

Kris Davis

piano
b.1980

" data-original-title="" title="">Kris Davis, the arrangement seems to lack the focus found on the other songs. Thankfully, eleven other fully-formed selections testify to Wolper's abilities and musical vision.

While Davis and Howell provide the harmonic underpinnings for Wolper's delicious readings, bassist

Ken Filiano

bass
b.1952

" data-original-title="" title="">Ken Filiano proves to be the most interesting musician on the date. His arco solo on "Why Aren't You Laughing?" is one of the most intriguing bass solos in recent memory, and he brings a sense of utter originality to an instrument that often plays the role of straight man on jazz recordings.

Parallel Lives is proof that fine singers need to live within the confines of a song in order to fully understand and communicate its intention, and Wolper makes herself at home on nearly every number in this collection.

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Track Listing

Song To Seagull; The Girls In Their Dresses; Why Aren't You Laughing?; Skylark; Who Will Buy?; June Rose; Maple Sugar Boy; Blue Wind; Be Cool; Something Good; Waiting For Winter; Save Your Love For Me.

Personnel

Andrea Wolper

vocals

Kris Davis

piano

Michael Howell

guitar

Ken Filiano

bass

Michael TA Thompson

drums

Album information

Title: Parallel Lives | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Jazzed Media

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