 |
| Vocalist Betty Carter |
After the Detroit Jazz
Preservation Concert Series for the late vibist Milt Jackson last month, the
series’ founder, trombonist Vincent Chandler, announced the next concert would
be a homage to Detroit vocalist Betty Carter. I wondered immediately after the
announcement what vocalists Chandler had in mind to pull off the Carter
tribute. There isn’t a shortage of terrific jazz vocalists around Detroit. I surmised
selecting one was the most challenging aspect of creating a program of Carter’s
music. Carter was a legendary jazz vocalist and mentor to generations of jazz stars.
She developed her unique style during the formative leg of her career in bands
led by Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. For Sunday’s afternoon DJPCS tribute,
Chandler chose vocalists Isis Damil and Monique Ella Rose. Both embody the
talent and drive to have the impact Carter had. Chandler picked seven of
Carter’s famous compositions and created the perfect working environment for
Damil and Rose to have some fun. I
appreciated Damil and Rose’s handling of Carter’s work. They never tried to copy
Carter’s manner of singing, which was my primary complaint of a tribute to
Carter two years back at the Carr Center. Damil and Rose’s singing was breathtaking,
and they seemed at home with Carter’s music, especially Damil. She has an
infectious stage presence. Midway through the opening number, “Ego,” she had
the near-capacity audience at Schaver Music Recital Hall won over. She respectfully
refashioned Carter’s “Tight,” Make Him Believe,” and “Naima Love Song.” Damil
is from a generation that has diverse interests. Her voice is such that she
could succeed in whatever genre of music she dedicates herself to. As a jazz
writer with an affinity for jazz vocalists, I pray Damil will dedicate her
voice to jazz exclusively. Indeed, the jazz world will be better off with such
effervescent talent. Before Rose sang “Who What Why Where When,” she confessed
that she wasn’t a jazz singer per se but a soul singer, and when she completed flexing
on “Droppin’ Things” and “30 Years,” I was convinced she was a capable jazz
vocalist who could navigate every facet of jazz. Rose has a voice that hugs you
tightly like a cashmere sweater, and she knows how to expose the marrow of a
song. Chandler assembled another stellar group: saxophonist Houston Patton,
bassist Jonathon Muir-Cotton, drummer Brandon Williams, and pianist Jordan
Anderson. Each played marvelously, particularly Muir-Cotton and Anderson. Muir
Cotton's soloing was a highlight, and Anderson demonstrated he has a sensitive
streak and understands the details of accompanying complete vocalists like Damil and
Rose
