Night at the Speakeasy

If you love the music from the 1930's, this CD is the perfect choice. From the very first cut, ("All I Want"), composed by vocalist Svetlana Shmulyian, you are transported to a time of 'Flapper' dresses, tight fitting skullcaps and cups full of Moonshine. The arrangements set the mood for the musicians to perfectly interpret. An Ellington and Strayhorn tune, "Just A Sittin' and A Rockin'" is fresh to my ears and recalls that space and time when Speakeasies ruled and liquor was banned for public consumption. On the third cut, "You Won't Be Satisfied" Shmulyian has written a verse to the song that introduces us to the multi talents of Wycliffe Gordon. Their vocal duet recalls the Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong collaboration albums. Wycliffe and Rob Garcia have done most of the arranging on this production and they've succeeded in establishing the musical setting for, "Night at the Speakeasy" in support of their CD title. Shmulyian has a voice that swings and she also scats with precision and ease. Her vocals seem perfect for this ragtime, hot jazz, Speakeasy project, reminding us when bands featured girl singers and dance floors were full of folks doing the Jitterbug and the Lindy Hop. The Delancey Five back-up musicians have recreated a sound and energy of yester-year magnificently. This is a tightly polished band who reminds us of New Orleans jazz roots and their historical significance, while fully entertaining us. But it's Shmulyian's interesting vocals that carry this band and keeps things interesting.