The Songbirds Archives

Introducing Tierney Sutton
A-Records (AL 73111)
Marketed by: Challenge Records Services; PO Box 540; 6800 AM; Arnhem; Netherlands

Reviewed by Carol Sloane; Boston, Massachusetts

It is an event much to be celebrated when a young singer presents a debut recording of such astonishing quality. To be specific, this young woman has selected a very intelligent grouping of interesting songs, sung impeccably and with great freshness. Her intonation is amazingly accurate and pure; her diction is crystal clear, and her time and sense of swing indicate excellent musicianship.

Having acclaimed her so forthrightly, you may wonder what has persuaded me to such high-blown praise when you hear the first song, Old Country. This one track nearly put me off the scent because it is, to my mind, just an inch over the line in terms of a certain pretentiousness not found on the remainder of the CD. Also, it is a pity legendary flugelhorn player Buddy Childers plays on this one song only, but never mind: It is wonderful to hear him, and his very lively solo, full of energy and articulation, is a treat.

You can't help but be quite impressed when you hear the up-tempo tracks, for they are filled with dazzling vocal agility, containing dead-on notes chosen carefully, while conveying a genuine spontaneity. Three selections are true jawbreakers: The Song Is You, High Wire (by Chick Corea, which, as its names implies, is a precarious little ditty she positively scampers through); and My Heart Stood Still, sung at the speed of light, running a mere 1:22, brisk and to the point. Brava!

Sutton has a distinct trumpet sound, full and open and keenly accurate on those notes sung without vibrato (an accomplishment which in itself deserves applause, for it requires skill and practice). Her ballads are chosen with care and sung in a pristine manner. I love every one of her choices, but In the Wee Small Hours truly mesmerizes. It's simply stunning.

The CD is a marvelous introduction, but there are some negatives, most of which are relatively minor, and which do not in any way detract from the overall high standard Sutton has set for herself.

First, the liner notes: There really are none. If you hope to learn something about the songs, the composers, why the artist chose these melodies over thousands, etc., you're out of luck here. Secondly, Sutton has chosen not to sing the verses of her otherwise exquisite ballad renditions, a misguided decision, one might suggest. And thirdly, there is just a bit too much scat singing for my taste.

I am quite taken with this young lady's growth since I first heard her some ten years ago. Although there are numerous Nancy Wilson footprints strewn throughout the terrain, Sutton is rapidly finding her own voice, and a young, highly-informed voice it is, alive and fresh and full of promise. She has chosen her musicians wisely and well, all of whom play most capably and sympathetically. The sound quality is fine, not too overpowering, and balanced nicely. There is no doubt in my mind that Tierney Sutton is dedicated and determined to refine her skills in the coming years. She begins her journey equipped with an enviable grasp of the basics and then some.

There is a rumor of substantial credibility that a major label is planning an aggressive campaign to record and market Sutton's next effort. With high hopes this is indeed true, may she soon enjoy great success and acclaim, and reserve my seat in the front row of the cheering section, please.

Tracks:
Old Country (Curtis Lewis)
You're Nearer (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart)
The Song Is You (Jerome Kern, Oscar Hammerstein II)
In Love In Vain (Jerome Kern, Leo Robin)
It Never Entered My Mind (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart)
Caravan (Duke Ellington, Juan Tizol, Irving Mills)
I've Never Been In Love Before (Frank Loesser)
Morning Sun (S. Hiltzik)
My Heart Stood Still (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart)
High Wire (Chick Corea)
I'm a Fool to Want You (J. Wolf, J. Herran, F. Sinatra)
Footprints (Wayne Shorter) /My Favorite Things (Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II)
If I Were a Bell (Frank Loesser)
In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (D. Mann, B. Hilliard)

Personnel: Tierney Sutton, vocals; Christian Jacob, piano (tracks 1,3,7,10,12); Michael Lang, piano (tracks 2,5,8,11,13,14); Trey Henry, bass; Ray Brinker, drums; Buddy Childers, flugelhorn (track 1)

For more information on Tierney Sutton, visit All About Jazz here