While never pretending that these aren’t troubled times, the ladies of New York-based jazz vocal trio Duchess insist that lightness of spirit is perhaps never more vital than when shadows loom. A Marvelous Party, the trio’s fourth full-length release since 2013, is a concept album, spinning the tale of a party in all its scenes and shades of feeling, from eager anticipation (This Could Be the Start of Something Big) and dizzy elation (Ain’t That a Kick in the Head) to wistful ennui (Is That All There Is?) and, ultimately, warm-hearted appreciation of it all (Danke Schoen).
Duchess have a website (who doesn’t?) that describes them as “a New York City-based vocal trio known for tight harmonies and big fun, carrying the tradition of the Boswell and Andrews Sisters into the 21st century.” So is that what we get with the release of A Marvelous Party? This Could Be The Start Of Something Big certainly kicks off things with a 1940s big band sound, tight harmonies that work very well against the horns and the driving rhythm section.
The newest song of tipsy revelry (and romantic possibility) on A Marvelous Party is Champagne, a delightful slice of vintage-style pop by contemporary singer-songwriter Kat Edmonson. The singing here is as expected but it is the musical accompaniment that makes this track stand out for me. The other number that stood out was Is That All There Is for its mix of spoken words and wistful lyrics along with the musical arrangement that closely matched the sentiment of words.
I Went To A Marvelous Party is very much in the style of a musical theatre number or a skit by Hinge and Bracket (look them up, they were very good and very funny) but feels like a “you needed to have been there” moment. Danke Schoen is a well known tune that is well played and well sung but, for me, lacks an emotional connection and that kind of sums up how I feel about this album.
Fans of The Andrews Sisters, The Boswell Sisters, or even the Puppini Sisters, will enjoy this album. The harmonies are great, the arrangements well scored, and the playing first class. The lyrics too are well written and I get the overarching structure of the album: the story of a night out being told, but I, unfortunately, just did not feel it – admired it yes, but no connection.
Tracklist: 01 – This Could Be The Start Of Something Big; 02 – Lucky Day; 03 – Are You Having Fun?; 04 – Ain’t That A Kick In The Head; 05 – Enjoy Yourself; 06 – Hey Look Me Over; 07 – It’s Alright With Me; 08 – A Marvelous Party; 09 – Champagne; 10 – Put On A Happy Face; 11 – Is That All There Is?; 12 – Danke Schoen.
Musicians: Amy Cervini, Hilary Gardner and Melissa Stylianou (vocals). There is a three part rhythm section and a additional horns but details have not been provided.
SimplyJazzTalk 