Reviews of new releases,
both from our area and around the world

What can you do in the late nineties with a couple of the biggest new wave rock stars of the late 70’s / early 80’s? Recycle them as jazz singers! That’s what New York City’s Jazz Passengers have done with Deborah Harry and Elvis Costello on this, their seventh CD.

I guess having a big name like Harry would be great for sales no matter how she sounds. But wait - believe it or not, she doesn’t sound half bad here. Being backed by some of the hippest, freshest jazzers from the New York avant garde scene certainly helps.

The Jazz Passengers began in 1987 as a collaboration between saxophonist Roy Nathanson and trombonist Curtis Fowlkes. Along with violinist Rob Thomas, vibraphonist Bill Ware, drummer E.J. Rodriguez, and bassist Bill Ware, the Passengers offer up some fresh sounding jazz, uninhibited by any preconceived formulas or molds. Much of their music, with unexpected tempo changes, unusual instrumental pairings, and simultaneous soloing by two or more instruments at one time, recalls some Charles Mingus’ great work.

The opening track, “Maybe I’m Lost”, features Harry’s voice moving from a whispery coo to a throaty growl before kicking into great solos by Thomas and Ware.

“Li’l Darlin”, a Neil Hefti / Jon Hendricks composition, is the essence of cool, and Harry really sounds great on this one. Her limitations are exposed, however, on the ballad, “Angel Eyes”, with it’s stark arrangement leaving her nowhere to hide.

“Aubergine” is a cool but quirky Mingus-like tune and one of two tunes featuring guest vocalist Elvis Costello. There’s also a throwaway reggae-like version of the Blondie hit, “The Tide is High”. Just try to forget that it’s Deborah Harry and enjoy this for the good jazz that it is.

***1/2 (three and a half stars)

MARK TOWNS

Check out track samples and other info for INDIVIDUALLY TWISTED on Music Boulevard.