None of the songs on Songbook, vocalist Georgia Mancio's new album, is an American Songbook standard. In fact, all 12 tracks on the album were composed by Alan Broadbent, Mancio's piano accompanist here, with Mancio writing the lyrics.
These days, a new jazz vocal album comprised entirely of original material gives me pause. Original doesn't always mean exceptional. But in the case of these tender Broadbent-Mancio songs and Mancio's delicious delivery, Songbook is pure perfection. These songs may not be standards now but I'm certain they will be. [Photo above by Carl Hyde courtesy of Georgia Mancio]
Mancio's voice and approach reminds me a great deal of Meredith d'Ambrosio's—a warm, rich playful sound with intimate, hip phrasing and spot-on intonation. In fact, I can't wait to tell Meredith about Mancio's album. On the piano side, Songbook reminds me of Broadbent's studio albums with Irene Kral in the 1970s. It has that level of casual vocal intensity and beautiful chord voicings that made those albums special.
Songbook is Mancio's 6th album, and Broadbent is joined here by bassist Oli Hayhurst and drummer Dave Ohm. Born in Croydon, England, in 1972, Mancio brings grace and wisdom to each song. Her songwriting collaboration with Broadbent began several years ago, after Mancio sang Heart's Desire, a song that Broadbent co-wrote with Dave Frishberg. She sang it during a duo performance with Broadbent. [Photo of Alan Broadbent above by Juan Carlos Hernandez, courtesy of Georgia Mancio]
Mancio then asked Broadbent if he had others. He sent along a demo of The Long Goodbye and asked her to write the lyric. Mancio was taken aback, since she hadn't even hinted that she wanted to write a song with him. Broadbent loved the result and knew his songs were in good hands. So he sent Mancio another and another and another. [Photo above of Georgia Mancio by Carl Hyde, courtesy of Georgia Mancio]
As Mancio told Sebastian of the London Jazz News about Songbook, "I feel these songs could be standards and yet there's a modern touch to them." There is indeed, much the way Meredith's originals captivate and seduce with cool, floral determination and poetry.
Do yourself a favor and just buy Songbook. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. [Photo above by Carl Hyde, courtesy of Georgia Mancio]
JazzWax tracks: Georgia Mancio's Songbook (Roomspin) is finally available in the States here.
A terrific job by producer Andrew Cleyndert.
JazzWax clips: Here's Small Wonder...
Here's a podcast interview with Georgia Mancio.
from JazzWax http://ift.tt/2t3NnXh
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