Off Beat

As a music journalist I admit that sometimes it does feel as if nothing could surprise me anymore. I receive music submissions often, and it isn't an easy task to be moved these days. I feel that many artists have somehow gotten too comfortable with a series of patterns in their creativity, and some genres are particularly susceptive to this kind of monochromatic illness of the musical soul. Their art form becomes stale, with a flavorless combination of ideas and predictive notes - and you are actually left worse off than you were before you even heard it.

I was emailed about this album by the artist's publicist, and after reading a little bit about what she had to offer I went with the flow and requested to receive an advance copy. Today I sit here happy to be involved in writing a little something about it, and convinced of the high expectations being placed in bassist-vocalist-composer, Katie Thiroux.

To those who follow my reviews and interviews, you know I am a vocalists' cheerleader. Jazz needs them, even today. And it is refreshing to come across a Jazz project that lacks affectation and over-thought improvisations. This album flows like water downstream. Her voice is impeccably expressive - not too perfect, not too loose, and bright in its embracing moments of the past. Her upright bass leads without hesitation - with a beautifully clear sound and a breathtaking sensitivity that even those who never heard a note of Jazz before will be able to catch on. If that wasn't enough, she shares the center stage with her peers with grace.

To those who throughly enjoy vocal Jazz, this project is a nice surprise. It showcases ballads, swinging gems, and straight ahead exercises that should find no trouble standing the test of time. The line up:

Katie Thiroux - Bass and Vocals

Ken Peplowski - Tenor Saxophone and Clarinet

Roger Neumann - Tenor Saxophone and Soprano Saxophone

Justin Kauflin - Piano

Matt Witek - Drums

What do I take away with me?

"Willow weep for me". Thiroux takes over the whole song, with vocals and bass only. Enchanting and utterly necessary. One of those tracks that give Jazz a good name, and Music a reason to exist. Inevitably perfect. Her chops with the bass are on full disclosure here, and she uses her voice just right with it. I have to give her the credit she deserves: this one is my number one pick.

"Brotherhood of Man". From the Frank Loesser musical, "How to succeed in business without really trying", it has everything going on for it. I love drummer Matt Witek here. Made me think of Max Roach, for some reason. Simple, yet elegant, and to the point. The whole track is simply delicious.

"Ray's Idea". Someone said that a singer that can't scat is not a true Jazz singer. I am not sure if I agree, but it sure is nice to hear a singer who isn't afraid of utilizing her voice as the purest form of instrumentation. Clarinetist Ken Peplowski does the honors, injecting a well balanced dose of swing, while pianist Justin Kauflin picks up where he leaves off with ease and charisma. They come full circle magically. Your feet won't stop!

"Why did I choose you?". That piano can't leave you cold. Try it in mid afternoon, in the quiet cool of a room that hides from the sun that still shines outside in the world. Justin Kauflin could very well become an angel right before your eyes, and it would not surprise you the least bit. Stunning.

"Off Beat". Giving name to this whole dream chaser; it opens the record, effectively capturing your attention. Whenever a clarinet enters the room, you know you are taking a few sets back to find yourself in a far away era that should have never ended. A mistreated instrument for the most part - unable to fully be taken seriously in modern jazz, and almost exclusively and quite unfairly attached to old school Swing, I can't help but loving the fact that Ken Peplowski was also granted the chance to express himself with such a delicate and yet vivacious instrument in this album. It certainly would not be the same without it.

"Some cats know", "When lights are low", and "Slow dance with me", are clearly also good candidates for a heart steal, and truthfully this whole album compels you to love it and enjoy it time and time again.

Great musicians, great songs, and great Jazz.

Artist: Katie Thiroux

Album: Off Beat

Year: 2017

Label: Capri Records

To be released August 18, 2017