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Dida Pelled: Plays and Sings

By C. Michael Bailey
June 26, 2011
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Youthful precociousness is one thing. There is typically an element of immaturity present. Fully developed and evolved at a young age is something else entirely. Israeli Dida Pelled has emerged fully formed as singer and instrumental soloist in New York City, after completing her obligation to the Israeli military and relocating there (not unlike fellow countryman/saxophonist

Idit Shner

saxophone, alto

" data-original-title="" title="">Idit Shner). In New York, Pelled made the acquaintance of trumpeter

Fabio Morgera

trumpet
b.1963

" data-original-title="" title="">Fabio Morgera who, in turn, brought her to the attention of Red Records' Sergio Veschi, leading to this recording. Comparisons with the late

Emily Remler

guitar
1957 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Emily Remler will be de rigueur; both guitarists were influenced considerably by

Wes Montgomery

guitar
1923 - 1968

" data-original-title="" title="">Wes Montgomery, but Pelled will emerge as the logical extension of Montgomery and Remler—smartly lyrical, and edgy in a modern and not off-putting way. This is the kind of mainstream jazz that mainstream jazz needs.

Pelled leads a trio, with bassist

Tal Ronen

bass

" data-original-title="" title="">Tal Ronen and drummer

Gregory Hutchinson

drums
b.1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Gregory Hutchinson, enjoying brass support from trumpeters

Roy Hargrove

trumpet
1969 - 2018

" data-original-title="" title="">Roy Hargrove and Morgera. Pelled's repertoire is made up of vocal and guitar standards, mostly of the hard bop variety. For each "Our Love is Here to Stay" there is a "Fried Pies." Pelled's voice and guitar tone complement each other in their simplicity and warmth. Playfully sexy and intelligent, Pelled's talent exists as a complete package, perfectly capable of solo performance, but clearly benefiting from the company.

Both Hargrove and Morgera contribute greatly to the recording, Hargrove's open bell fully propelling "Our Love is Here to Stay" and "Fried Pies." Morgera's muted horn is sherry dry and flavorful on "More Than You Know" while his open bell on "Three Coins in the Fountain" is as expansive as it is clear.

Pelled's instrumental pieces are also completely fine and satisfying. "Stompin' at the Savoy" swings with a gentle confidence. The gentleness gives way to all business in her clearly linear solo choruses.

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver's "Calcutta Cutie" is treated equally gently, given an almost spooky treatment, its angular lines smoothed by Pelled's careful consideration.

Plays and Sings is a most pleasant surprise.

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Track Listing

Our Live is Here to Stay; After You've Gone; There's a Lull in My Life; Can't Take My Eyes Off of You; Ir Atzuva--It's a Sad City; Three Coins in the Fountain; More Than You Know; Stompin' at the Savoy; Calcutta Cutie; That's All.

Personnel

Dida Pelled: guitar, vocals; Tal Ronen: bass; Gregory Hutchinson: drums; Roy Hargrove: trumpet (1, 3, 5); Fabio Morgera: trumpet (7, 8).

Album information

Title: Plays and Sings | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Red Records

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