Carmen Lundy – Jazz Vocals with a Costume Change

DIE PRESSE – Vienna, Austria: April 19, 2011

The unconventional jazz vocalist in the tradition of Betty Carter is convincing at Porgy and Bess Jazz Club.

By Samir H. Köck

In her young years she learned through the school of Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Big Bands. She has internalized that big orchestra sound, and because of that tends to bring large orchestral ideas and gestures even when performing with small ensembles. For her first performance at Porgy and Bess since 10 years ago, she assembled a musically flexible trio who was able to follow her spontaneous ideas. Lundy, born in 1954, belongs to the rare breed of jazz singers who do not follow the usual songbook repertoire, but who push the envelope by performing her own compositions.

She has produced her current album "SOLAMENTE" on her own and even played all the instruments herself. Clearly, this shows self confidence. Through the Land of Love Not even a clearing of the throat during the first song could make her nervous, and with an artistic cough, she seamlessly moved into a vocal tour de force through the land of love, beginning with "EASY TO LOVE". Full of spirit, she blended the flow of music with her vocalizations.

Pianist Anthony Wonsey vivaciously played blues-inspired cascades which Lundy then took over and added her own figurations. Her impressive range was shown in the ballad "HEART OF GOLD" in which she displayed bell-like high tones along with astonishing low notes. And never was she so tenderly grooving as in "NEVER GONNA LET YOU GO".

Highlights: "SEVENTH HEAVEN" a soulful homage to the late, young pianist Kenny Kirkland, and the lively "ONE MORE RIVER TO CROSS" where Lundy recites the poet Langston Hughes. The unexpected change of costume during intermission gave an extra smile. This lady is truly unpredictable in every way.