The Principle of Uncertainty

Mark Quint is a singer/songwriter that brings to mind other vocalists in the jazz realm such as Mark Murphy, Kurt Elling, Bob Dorough, Mose Allison, Dave Frishberg, and especially to this listener, Michael Franks. These are singers who sing not only great interpretations of songs with an original approach and a unique vocal instrument, but also can perform original songs filled with intelligent and witty lyrics in a light and entertaining manner. Listeners to Quint's newest release The Principle of Uncertainty will find that he not only possesses a wide ranging uniquely mellow and sometimes breathy vocal instrument, but his writing also consists of songs that are seemingly tailor made for a thinking person. A thinking person, who enjoys a subtle chuckle resulting from one of his witty lyrical statements, unique turn of a phrase, or even a cynical view of a love turned sour.

Many of Quint's songs deal with various manifestations of love. For example, the opening track "I'd Rather Be There," the lyrics testify of the author's desire to be with a loved one, with lines like "I'd rather be drunk by all of your charms, than sober with somebody new." The title cut "The Principle of Uncertainty," contains the lyrics, "The principle of uncertainty certainly brought you here to me and that principle of uncertainty will certainly take you away from me . . ." Perhaps Quint is at his most cynical with the line from the song "If you will," " . . . for the way you make me feel, please return my heart, if you will . . ."

The musical content of The Principle of Uncertainty is superb as well. Combining sounds of Jazz, R and B, Soul and Brazilian music, Quint's arrangements in collaboration with guitarist and percussionist Marco de Carvalho feature a very tasteful palette of sounds to accompany Quint's subdued and mellow vocals. There is very good solo work by de Carvalho, Hans Teuber on woodwinds and Darin Clendenin on keyboards. Clendenin also contributed all of the keyboard arrangements for the recording.

For listener's who enjoy jazz vocals that steer away from the reinterpretation of standards and seek fresh new sounds peppered with witty thoughtful lyrics that will give one cause to pause and ponder, Mark Quint's The Principle of Uncertainty is certainly highly recommended. This CD will be an excellent addition to any jazz recording collection.