Rachael Calladine, The Game Review

by Constance Tucker

Rachael Calladine’s latest album, The Game, released under 33 Jazz Records, marks a significant return to her jazz roots after a decade-long hiatus. The album features a blend of original compositions and jazz standards, showcasing Calladine’s extensive experience and versatility as a vocalist.

Throughout the album, Calladine’s vocal tone is warm and emotive, drawing listeners into each narrative. Her style reflects a deep understanding of jazz traditions, honed from her extensive performance history at renowned venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the 606 Club. Her diction is precise, ensuring that each lyric is delivered clearly and intentionally.

Supported by Pat McCarthy on guitar, Andy Tytherleigh on double bass, and Si Potts on drums, Calladine delivers a tasteful and elegant set of ten songs. The ensemble’s synergy provides a solid foundation for Calladine’s vocal explorations, resulting in an album that exudes smoothness.

“The Game,” co-written by Calladine and guitarist McCarthy, exhibits Calladine’s vocal style of delivery, complemented by her adept scatting and embellishments. This approach adds a layer of spontaneity while her technical skill allows her to be expressive. Her pitch remains consistently accurate, allowing her to navigate the melodies with confidence.

The emotional connection to the melody in her performances is evident, particularly in her soulful phrasing and the unexpected twists she brings to familiar standards like “What A Difference A Day Makes.” She reinterprets the melody to make it her own, adds a fresh perspective to each phrase, and resonates with a cool jazz overtone.

“Like Young” is a medium swing with blues overtones. Calladine’s vocals glide through the changes with the long storyline. McCarthy’s guitar accompaniment is excellent, as Calladine’s scatting brings the blues to the fore. McCarthy’s bluesy guitar solo is relaxed and musical.

“Trouble in Mind” is the quartet exploring a classic blues anthem with Calladine’s ability to stretch her voice, delivering a smoky, aching jazz blues rendition. McCarthy’s languid and measured guitar work complements her delivery, adding depth to the track.

“Let’s Go Live In A Lighthouse,” written by McCarthy, captures a 1940s jazz vibe. The ensemble authentically recreates that era’s sound, with McCarthy playing smooth four to the bar strumming.

“Like Young,” composed by André Previn and Paul Francis Webster, allows Calladine to explore her higher registers, delivering a swinging shuffle driven by bassist Andy Tytherleigh and drummer Simon Potts.

“Northern Lights” is an original composition by Calladine and McCarthy. This track has a folksy feel, somber and gloomy yet captivating. Potts’ rumbling drum rhythms add to the song’s atmosphere.

Calladine’s interpretation of “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” opens with a duet between voice and bass. Calladine’s tone and expression are inviting and toned with classic jazz. The melody is conveyed with the lyric’s beautiful meaning. McCarthy enters midway to develop the mood with an impressive guitar solo.

“Happening” gives Calladine an Afro-Cuban feel to play upon. With lyrics by Calladine and music by Brian ‘Keys’ Tharme, this Latinesque song includes swingy sections. Potts shines on this track, and Calladine concludes with scatting.

“The Air That I Breathe,” The Hollies hit from 1974, shows Calladine’s vocal style in a more breathy version. She utilizes her wide range to great advantage, delivering an unexpectedly confiding and warmly sensual vibe to the melody’s aura.

“Horace Silver’s hard-bop classic, “Peace,” is rendered in a thoughtfully restrained jazz ballad manner. The quartet’s pacing creates a calming swing feel for Calladine’s singing. The track features more impressive guitar playing.

In summary, The Game is a captivating jazz album by Rachael Calladine. The ten songs highlight her refined vocal tone, impeccable diction, and emotive delivery.