Voice/bass combinations are not unusual in jazz. Sheila Jordan has made classic recordings with bass players Harvie Swartz and Arlid Anderson. Nancy King and Glen Moore have maintained this tradition and Jay Leonhart has performed with a large roster of singers. But the similarity between those endeavors and this album ends there. Chicago-based vocalist Jackie Allen and classically trained bass player and composer Hans Sturm have put together a daring, serious, sensuous, and often intense musical experience over the course of 72 minutes. The flexibility of both these musicians is striking, especially Allen. Her voice takes on more shapes and forms than one has the right to expect from human vocal chords. It can be husky, sexy, gracefully pure, and most of all, passionate. She also can sing straight as on “I Want to Be Happy.” But most of the time she is twisting and turning her voice as she creates a variety of emotions and images, particularly with pieces written by Sturm. For “Blackwater,’ inspired by the late beat poet Allen Ginsberg’s Howl, Allen hums while Sturm has a telephone conversation with someone obviously distraught and depressed as only Sturm’s side of the conversation is heard. Here, his bass takes on an eerie, spongy sound. On “Green Dolphin Street” her voice becomes an instrument as she duos with Sturm’s bass before moving into a straightforward rendition of the lyrics. This, as much as any track, demonstrates her perfect pitch. The intonation never wavers. But it is on “Landscapes” where Allen’s vocal dexterity is brought to bear the most. On this five-movement modern oratorio, we are treated to a declamation of several of today’s tragedies within the framework of sounds linked to geographic locations. Sturm shows throughout this session that he is a master of the double bass. He makes it sound like a guitar, a violin, and a horn as he strums, plucks, slides, and bows. He does more than accompany Allen; he is an equal partner. This album ups the ante for voice/bass combination. It demands serious and committed listening. Landscapes: Bass Meets Voice will leave most breathless. It is unique and entertaining and recommended. – Dave Nathan
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