Downeast Record & CD Review***MAY 19 1999
MAYE CAVALLARO
Listen to Maye
Our grading system:
A=Awesome
B=Beautiful
C=Could be better
D=Don't quit your day job
E=Enough already
F=Forget it,Flush it,^%#* it
This is the second CD on Redhead Records for Maye.It was recorded live in four days at Emerald City Studios in San Francisco.It took place on the four hottest days of the summer.Which could explain why this CD is so Hot.
On the CD she is working with a very talented pianist,Denny Berthiaume.Denny's is full of energy and is able to play in many styles,but still keep it in that jazz feel.That kept the music fresh and pleasurable for Maye,and it comes across in their performances.
The bassist,Jeff Neighbor,has been with Maye for over 15 years.They have similar taste in music, and he knows what the lyrics are about.Like Denny,Jeff is an accomplished musician who keeps the music fresh.Jeff maintains a busy agenda in the pit for Phantom of the Opera,or recording with the orchestra at Skywalker Ranch.
The band is completed with Ron Marabuto on drums,
the legendary Allen Smith,an alumnus of such bands as Duke Ellington,Benny Carter,Louis Bellson,and also with Sarah Vaughan,Peggy Lee,and Nancy Wilson,on trumpet and flugelhorn.Jim Grantham and Ray Loeckle on tenor sax,Mimi Fox on guitar,and Raul Ramirez,adding "goat's toenails" and other esoteric and naturalistic percussion.
To find out more about Maye and her work visit her website here.
Maye will be appearing at "The Plush Room" in the York Hotel 940 Sutter St San Francisco on Sunday October 24 1999 and November 7 1999.She will be joined by her long-time friends and collaborators Benny Watson on piano and Jeff Neighbor on bass. So if you're in town stop by and say hi,and tell Maye you read about it here at Downeast Reviews.
On to the review
The writer on this review is:
Donna Crowley
Appearing are:
Maye Cavallaro-Vocals
Denny Berthiaume-Piano
Jeff Neighbor-Bass
Ron Marabuto-Drums
Mimi Fox-Guitar
Allen Smith-Trumpet/Flugelhorn
Jim Grantham-Tenor Saxophone
on "Foolin' Myself" & "Love Me Or Leave Me"
Ray Loeckle-Tenor Saxophone
on "Guess(I'll Hang Up My Tears Out To Dry"
Raul Ramirez-Percussion
TRACK 1
Never Let Me Go
Soft jazz tune with some well accentuated piano and some smooth brass.Maye has a nice easy style of singing with quite a range.The kind of tune you would hear in the lounge of some classy motel.(B+)
TRACK 2
Born To Be Blue
This number was arranged by Jeff,and he plays a nice bassline.Mimi puts in some nice chops on this tune.That keeps the tight jazz flavor,and Maye seems to be singing to the melody line of the rhythm section åla rhythm and blues.(A++)
TRACK 3
The Night We Called It A Day
This one was arranged by Denny,and he tickles the ivory's like a master.With some muted trumpet for accents and some light percussion this tune transports you into a peaceful place.Some fantastic vocals by Maye!(A+)
TRACK 4
Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea
This tune is slightly more uptempo with a swing beat.There is some great bass and keys,with some exciting percussion.The tune ran a bit short and could have used some of Mimi's great jazz pickin'. Maye's vocals were excellent,though I was anticipating some scat to be thrown in.(A++)
TRACK 5
More Than You Know
The tempo slows back down again.The arrangements are complex,but lack hooks and seem to stay traditional.There appears to be very little of the musicians souls in the portrayal of the tune.The only one that bares her soul is Maye,you can feel the emotions flow forth in her vocals.(C++)
TRACK 6
Get Rid Of Monday
Now this one has a little more kick and sizzle to it.The musicians appear to hold back a bit less, especially towards the second half.The bassline is tight and carries the rhythm section.(B+)
TRACK 7
Foolin' Myself
This number has a nice little swing beat,and the band is tight.We get to hear some nice tenor sax done by Jim on this number.Maye seems to get into this tune totally because she really gets the listeners attention.(A++)
TRACK 8
I'll Close My Eyes
What a magnificent voice,it's strength amazes while being soothing at the same time.Maye's vocal abilities put her in sync with the elite and greats of the jazz scene.There is also a great piano solo in this tune.The rhythm section sets up a stable foundation for the melody line.(A+++)
TRACK 9
Baby Don't You Quit Now
We get to hear some of Mimi's fine guitar playing in this tune,and it is a pleasant change from the piano.This is an amazing guitar player that I would like hear more from.Jeff plays superbly against the melody line.This is my favorite track from the album.Maye's vocals are seductive and alluring in the other Mae's style."Why don't you come up and hear me sometime,big boy!" (A++++...)
TRACK 10
Love Me Or Leave Me
This another jump swing tune.Great drumming keeps the tune kickin'.There is also some of that fabulous tenor sax and piano.We finally get some scat thrown in this one,long overdue but still appreciated.(A++)
TRACK 11
Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry
We find the tempo slowed a bit here.Some nice accents by Ray on the tenor sax.Maye bares her soul in this sad number and comes through with some true emotional color.(B++)
TRACK 12
In My Life
In this Paul McCartney-John Lennon tune we get to hear more of Mimi's fantastic guitar playing first hand solo.A very talented gutarist that I need to research further.Maye has chosen a marvelous tune to showcase her vocals,and what a way to close the album.I am an admirer for life if she comes out with more like this.The best cover of this tune I have ever heard.A difficult choice for best track between nine and this one.You decide,and let me know. (A++++...)
My overall impression:
I thought this was a great album.What it lacked in energy it gave some true emotion.This had variety in style and kept my attention easily.The musicians are very profound and professional,but in some tunes could have cut loose a little more.I feel the album is focused toward the more mature listening audience.
Though I feel that a music student would find this very educational and inspiring.I can't tell you how impressed I am with the quality of this production,it
ranks up with the best in the bizz.As does Maye's vocals,you won't find better.If you want to pick up this CD go to our "Buy The CD's"page.Or visit Maye's website. (A++)
So until next time keep your ears to the tunes, keep your eyes on the road,and keep in touch with us....Donna
Maye Cavallaro
PO Box 5046
Mill Valley,CA
94942
Email Downeast Reviews
>>BACK<<
>>NEXT<<
© copyright 1999 Downeast Reviews (L Belanger Publishers) Do not duplicate without written permission.
Send E-Mail to: DowneastReviews@webtv.net
This page created using the webpage creation facilities of Webspawner.
Copyright © 2000 Larry Belanger. All Rights Reserved
WebSpawner Page Machine