Ingrid James & Louise Denson
Portrait
(Newmarket Music)
Rating: ***1/2
This all-Brisbane production of mostly originals features vocalist Ingrid James paired with pianist/composer/arranger Louise Denson leading a strong quintet of local players.
In some ways this album has a slightly retro feel with James’ voice producing nostalgic facets of a Peggy Lee/June Christy blend. Many of the tracks are in ballad tempos where Denson’s fluid piano provides both substantial backing and thoughtful solos, as in Lonely Wing.
Faster pieces, such as Rent-a-Crowd – with a standout tenor solo by Mark Spencer – make good use of quintet voicings as a backdrop and to add embellishment. Drummer Joe Marchisella is an important component, who, assisted by bassist Helen Russell, drives everything along with expert rhythmic punctuation.
James has an impressive vocal range capable of expressive phrasing and timing, but ample space is allowed for the musicians to perform. Some of the lyrics strain a little in their search for romantic literacy, but their delivery and the encompassing arrangements tend to compensate.
This review first appeared in The Weekend Australian and is reprinted with permission of the writer.
