Carving out your own niche in the world of jazz is becoming increasingly difficult. As more sub-genres are added to the jazz family tree the lines or boundaries between these genres becomes smaller. An interesting sub-genre of jazz is what is being referred to as alternative jazz which begs the question, alternative to what? The question most bandied about would have to be, "What is jazz?"
Cathy Segal-Garcia and Yoonseung Cho are releasing Bohemian on March 20, 2012. This aptly titled release falls under the category of what I like to refer to as N.P.R jazz. An incredibly earthy and organic mix of the natural vocals of Segal-Garcia combined with the virtuoso like performance of Korean jazz pianist Yoonseung Cho.
Organic is a word that has lost a great deal of meaning when used in a critical examination of artistic work. Bohemian exemplifies the proper use of the word organic as this release contains no overdubs. Segal-Garcia began her musical relationship with Cho thanks in part to a vocal workshop she was hosting with Gretchen Parlato who had brought Cho to play piano as one of her accompanists. Bohemian is a two day celebration of improvisation with the idea of simply documenting their musical chemistry more so than a planned project.
The title track Bohemian is a somewhat autobiographical piece on how Segal-Garcia met her husband Gary. There is a remarkable abstract feel to a more free form vocal approach backed magnificently with the shifting harmonics that serve to accentuate the stripped down vocals of Segal-Garcia. "Her Family" is a tune from Pat Metheny with original lyrics from Segal-Garcia. An emotional ballad where both artists play to each others strengths with relative ease. Cho's ability to harmonically develop a tune are reminiscent of Chick Corea while Segal-Garcia's touching lyrics provide a touching counter-point. The Shelby Flint tune "Like A River" is a tune originally inspired by Cathy Segal-Garcia and the reinvention of this tune is again a perfect vehicle for this most intriguing of duos. The Sting classic "Fragile" takes on a deeper emotive quality under Segal-Garcia's interpretation.
Unplugged, organic or bohemian would all be fitting descriptions of the very intimate setting of this vocal/piano duet. A subtle yet captivating retro-hippy chick feel that transcends the normal expectations of jazz vocals by blending popular tunes with tremendous jazz sensibilities and creating a very specific and dynamic artistic voice.
Alternative jazz? No. Instead we find real musical integrity. Songs that are stripped bare of the more commercialized pretentiousness of the music industry for tunes that have a unique story and artist to make sure the story is told. N.P.R jazz. The vibe of artistic integrity coupled with honest emotion for a captivating experience.
Tracks: Bohemian; Her Family; Everyday's Own Song; Jump Back; One Minute; Embraceable Jew; All The Right Reasons; Like A River; A Timeless Place; Fragile; Touch Her Soft Lips/The Nightingale; The Ironic Waltz.
Cathy Segal-Garcia: vocals; Yoonseung Cho: piano.
Special Thanks to Michael Bloom of Michael Bloom Media Relations!
