BEBOP SPOKEN HERE
CD Review: Miki Purnell – Midnight Bloom
“Being involved in music cultivates my creativity in medicine and in bonding with patients” says Miki.
She’s equally creative in music too. On Embraceable You she applies her vocalese to a 1949 JATP Lester Young solo. Coleman Hawkins inspired her take on Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams whilst an original (co-written with pianist Henderson), Midnight Madness Called Jazz, is based on ‘Round Midnight. Matt Dennis’ The Night We Called it a Day, Stars (Endless Stars) by Fred Hersch and Norma Winstone, plus gems by Johnny Mandel with Dave Frishberg and the Bergmans add to what may well be the classiest vocal album of the year.
And there’s more! Tamir Henderson is the perfect accompanist cum soloist – think Hank Jones and you’re getting close. Bob Sheppard pops up on 5 tracks blowing tenor, clarinet and flute, adding that little bit extra. Pat Kelley does the same with some fine guitar work on four tracks with Tommy Aros helping out Koba and Frank in the rhythm section.
Next time you’re feeling ill and can’t get to Sacramento where Miki now practises just ask your GP to prescribe Midnight Bloom – 14 tracks, minimum twice a day with an extra dose at suppertime – it will work wonders!
Lance
Listen.
Moonlight Saving Time; Embraceable You; No Moon at All; Estrada Branca; ‘Round Midnight/Midnight Madness Called Jazz; Quiet Now; Love Dance; The Night We Called it a Day; Teach me Tonight; You Are There; Solitary Moon; Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams; Stars; Midnight Bloom.