Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Me'lange, from Louise Cappi and it's a mix of Latin jazz, rock, and ballads. Opening with Brazilian influenced Bossa Nova style jazz pop, Talk To Me, Jenna McSwain on piano, Cali Millington on bass, AJ Hall on drums, and Russell Ramirez on trombone. Cool opener. Cappi gives Randy Newman's Guilty and bluesy ballad feel and lays out some of the best vocals on the release, backed by Dean Zucchero on bass, Piere Menefield on drums, and Alex Krahe on guitar. Stirring in a little bit of soul with Chain of Fools/Unchain My Heart Cappi has a warm, club feel with David Hyde on bass, Krahe on guitar and vocal and John Doheny on sax. Gershwin's classic, Summertime gets a cool jazzy makeover and Cappi shows her jazz pedigree (daughter of later NY jazz guitarist, Al Cappi) with plenty of style. Wrapping the release is Leon Russell's Song For You. Cappi takes it straight with Paul Longstreth on piano accompaniment. This is a serious vocal release with a taste of everything.