Paula Harris - Speakeasy - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Speakeasy, from Paula Harris, and it has old school pop jazz roots. Opening with Nothing Good Happens After Midnight, Harris shows her deep throaty voice over the sultry piano of Nate Ginsberg, with Rich Girard on bass and D'mar martin on drums. On funky, I Wanna Hate Myself Tomorrow (or Raising Hell Tonight), Harris shows her vocal versatility and Ginsberg's piano is tops. R&B / jazz track, Good Morning Heartache has a rich melody and with it's bouncy rhythm and sparkling piano is one of my favorites on the release. Something Wicked is another smooth soulful tune with a great feel and the addition of nice trumpet work of Bill Ortiz and spoken word by Big Llou Johnson. Monk's classic, Round Midnight is a pure highlight with dark warm vocals, excellent piano and tasteful trumpet by Ortiz and spot on bass work by Girard. Wrapping the release is jazz classic, Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby,  with Harris in full swing mode. Again, Ginsberg's piano is stellar and the driving bass lines of Girard are tight. Cool closer for a cool release. 

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Turning On The Naughty - Paula Harris - New Release Review

I have been listening to the new Paula Harris recording, Turning On The Naughty. Paula has a strong vocal style and is surrounded herself with a strong band of musicians including Simon Russell (piano), Mike Eppley (Hammond B3), Nate Ginsberg (organ), Joey Fabian (Bass), Derrick Martin (drums), Al Diaz (percussion), Terry Hiatt (guitars), Steve Gurr (rhythm guitar), Mic Gillette (brass), Tom Politzer (sax) and Tom Poole (trumpet). Paula sings 14 tracks including a number of standards and some originals. The recording has a distinctive styling built for a full orchestra and solo vocalist. On the opening number, A Nick of Too Damn Late, Hiatt ripps a really cool guitar solo. On Touch Of The Blues the horn section is turned up a little and there is a bit of funk added to the mix. On Learn From My Mistakes, Ginsberg lays down some pretty cool organ work. On Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore, the band falls back to the shuffle and there are a number of interesting instrumental interludes. Baby Love, a rock oriented track has Hiatt again showing his chops on guitar. Some Of My Best Friends Are The Blues is a nice slow blues track, possibly the best track on the recording. Gates Of Hell is another contemporary track with back beat and shows a lot of potential with nice key work from Russell and Martin keeps the band tight. An interesting interpretation of Dust My Broom is included. With a jazzy funky backing, Harris sings the track like I've not heard before. I Play Dirty has a distinctive R&B sound with a touch of New Orleans. This is definitely the track for horn lovers and Politzer blows a nice sax solo. The final track, You Don't Know What Love Is takes a much darker mood with Harris singing in the bottom of her register along with piano. Gillette plays a really nice trumpet solo on this track as well. Overall, the cd is a good mix with a powerful vocalist singing jazz/blues tunes backed buy a strong orchestra. If you like the more serious but sassy side of the blues, with a little tease added in for spice... this may be your ticket.
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