Rebecca Kilgore, A Little Taste: A Tribute to Dave Frishberg Review
by Constance Tucker
Rebecca Kilgore’s vocal artistry has always been a source of warmth and light in the jazz world. With A Little Taste: A Tribute to Dave Frishberg, she delivers a project displaying her vocal jazz interpretation that shows the depth of her connection to the material and the man behind it. Known for her impeccable phrasing, nuanced expression, and effortless swing, Kilgore again demonstrates why she’s been a beloved figure in jazz for decades.
From the opening track, “A Little Taste,” Kilgore’s voice immediately grabs the listener’s attention with a playful yet elegant delivery. Her smooth phrasing, combined with a lighthearted joy, dances across the melody with the ease of someone deeply immersed in the craft. The string section, led by Nelly Kovalev and joined by Tim Jensen’s flute and John Moak’s trombone, offers a lush backdrop that enhances Kilgore’s vibrant tone, highlighting her ability to weave effortlessly through the ensemble.
On “Our Love Rolls On,” Kilgore scales back, opting for a more intimate setting with only piano, bass, and drums. Her impeccable breath control and precision in phrasing reveal her deep understanding of the song’s emotional core. There’s an intimacy in her voice, a sincerity that breathes life into every word, while her rhythmic sensitivity complements Tom Wakeling’s bass and Todd Strait’s drums in a flawless partnership.
Kilgore’s interpretation of the beloved Frishberg classic, “Peel Me a Grape,” is given a modern Latin twist. The track exudes energetic playfulness, yet Kilgore never loses sight of the subtle details. She delivers the lyrics with a lighthearted charm while maintaining an acute awareness of diction and pitch. The string arrangement, alternating between arco and pizzicato, adds texture and color, making the song feel fresh and vibrant despite its classic status.
“Heart’s Desire” returns Kilgore to a more cinematic setting, as the strings and flute provide a sweeping accompaniment to her graceful and expressive performance. Kilgore’s voice melds effortlessly with the lush arrangement, evoking images of timeless movie ballads. Randy Porter’s piano work here is subtle yet essential, offering delicate support to Kilgore’s tender vocal delivery.
Tracks like “Snowbound” and “Brenda Starr” allow Kilgore to stretch her versatility, effortlessly moving between cinematic ballads and swinging big-band-inspired tunes. On “Snowbound,” she easily navigates a medium swing, her voice swinging just as naturally as the expertly arranged strings. “Brenda Starr” showcases her powerful vocal presence, as she leads the band through an energetic and joyful performance, filled with bold brass accents and a showtune-like exuberance.
Kilgore’s interpretive skills shine throughout A Little Taste: A Tribute to Dave Frishberg, particularly on “Ah, So Pure” and “You Are There.” The former brings a vintage New Orleans flair, with Dan Barrett’s trombone adding a lively flavor that perfectly complements Kilgore’s twenties-styled jazz vocals. On “You Are There,” Kilgore leans into the song’s wide emotional range, shaping the melody with care and technical finesse. Her ability to deliver these classic songs with reverence and innovation is a testament to her artistry.
The final track, “Eastwood Lane,” presents a more intimate, stripped-down arrangement, featuring just Kilgore, Porter on piano, and Barrett on trombone. Kilgore’s voice is warm and purposeful, conveying a sense of deep reflection as she navigates the gentle swing of the piece. Barrett’s trombone solo adds a rich, expressive layer, perfectly matching the emotional weight of Kilgore’s delivery.
In A Little Taste: A Tribute to Dave Frishberg, Rebecca Kilgore honors her long-time collaborator while reinforcing her reputation as a masterful interpreter of jazz vocals. Her voice, full of grace and technical mastery, breathes life into each song, offering a heartfelt and fitting tribute to one of jazz’s finest songwriters. With the support of a stellar ensemble, Kilgore’s performance here is a true testament to her enduring talent as a jazz vocalist.
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