Album Review - Claire Daly Quintet

Claire Daly Quintet - Mary Joyce Project: Nothing to Lose
Daly Bread Records - Produced By: Claire Daly

Personnel:
Claire Daly: baritone/alto saxes, flute, vocals
Steve Hudson: piano
Mary Anne McSweeney: bass
Peter Grant: drums
Napoleon Maddox: human beat box

The new album from New York journey-woman musician Claire Daly, finds us
with a collection of 11 lovingly crafted songs, dedicated to the life of
her great aunt Mary Joice, an amazing woman, who in the 1930s was the
first white woman to go from Fairbanks, Alaska to Juneau, Alaska, by
dogsled, before the construction of any major highways or even roads
in the state. Her extreme perseverance, improvisational and survival
abilities are well documented, and represented by the 11
swinging tracks on this disc.

The slower tracks, such as "Lonely Wilderness", evoke visions of staring
up at the star filled night sky, on a cold Alaska night, no city lights
blaring, brutally low temperatures, no other human beings for miles. On
"Kluane" Claire's horn vividly replicates the sound of a far north Moose,
yet not in a comedic way,and as a result, swings brilliantly.
"Complicated Love", my favorite track on the album, could have easily
come from the song book of Dexter Gordon, or Coleman Hawkins, yet is a uniquely
Claire Daly composition.

Speaking of composition, one should not mention this album without
mentioning the contributions of pianist Steve Hudson. Some might say
he is Claire's musical soul-mate, and contributed as much to the writing of
this dramatic and emotional set of tunes as she did. His playing is subtle, swings
hard when it needs to, and all the while seamlessly dancing
through, and around the melodies and riffs from Claire's horns.

A very interesting and unique addition to this studio lineup, was that of
the "Human Beatbox" Napoleon Maddox. There are many deep musical moments
where were you not listening attentively, you might not notice
Napoleon's grooves melding seamlessly with the rest of the band, indispensable
from the groove. Mary Anne McSweeney's jovial bass has a few very
interesting and groovy jams with just her four strings and the beatboxing. An excellent
addition to this disc, they, along with Peter grant on the drums, bring Claire
and Steve's ideas, melodies, and ultimate goals of their concept to life.

I listen to very few new artists these days. But this disc, is a rare
and sparkling gem, shining a light on the past, present, and future of Jazz.
I highly recommend this album for any mild to serious jazz fans, as I'm sure
it will go down as one of the best albums of 2011.

For more information of the artist and the album please visit:

www.clairedaly.com

May 11

May 11 1981
Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley died of lung cancer and a brain tumor, only 36 years old. He had a major hit with the 1981 single 'No Woman No Cry', plus over ten other UK Top 40 singles. In 1990, the 6th of February was proclaimed a national holiday in Jamaica to commemorate his birthday.

Marley's music was heavily influenced by the social issues of his home, and he is considered to have given voice to the specific political and cultural nexus of Jamaica.

The compilation album, "Legend", released in 1984, is the best-selling reggae album ever, with sales of more than 20 million copies worldwide. Time magazine chose Bob Marley & The Wailers' "Exodus" as the greatest album of the 20th century.

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