MUSIC REVIEW BY Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs
"Blessed & Bewitched" is the new album by Vienna vocalist, Maja Jaku that reflects a very personal journey that began as a child, growing up immersed in the sounds of her father's jazz trumpet. Later, she pursued her love of music through studies with mentors at the Graz Conservatory. Her mentors were familiar iconic names like Mark Murphy, Sheila Jordan, Andy Bey and Jay Clayton.
The vocalist opens with an original by her drummer and percussionist, Adrian Varady titled, "The Witch." Maja collaborated with him on this song. This key sounds comfortable and suited to her style and vocal range. The band is smokin' hot, with Alan Bartus accompanying her on piano, Dezron Douglas is on bass and Johnathan Blake holds the tempo in perfect place on drums. I hear this tune getting lots of air play. Michael Rodriguez has a sweet, sultry tone during his trumpet solo. Alan Bartus has an ethereal approach to his piano solo that is quite captivating.
Maja Jaku is also a songwriter and has composed "I'm a Queen" where she plays around with scat singing atop the chord changes. This is her 5th album release. It was recorded in New York City rather than her native Austria. This Track #2 tune has a modern feel, featuring a strong bass line by Dezron Douglas that sets the groove.
On a song called "Lonely Little Fox" her rich alto voice is warm and inviting, although occasionally pitchy. Holding your tone steady in those low registers takes a lot of vocal control and air support. I think if she had raised the key a whole step up, it would have made all the difference.
The next tune has a positive title of "Blessing Will Come" that Maja Jaku has composed. Once again, the bass of Douglas makes this arrangement come alive. Maja has pitch problems on this song too.
I was looking forward to hearing how she handled the old and beautiful standard "Never Let Me Go." She did not disappoint. Her delivery was emotional and believable. The same with Bernard Ighner's "Everything Must Change," a song that always touches my soul with lyrics that are profound.
Origin Records presents an international vocal talent who is based in Austria and crosses continents with her vocal gifts and songwriting talents. This is a mix of contemporary and modern jazz, with some hip-hop undertones supported by outstanding musicians who are 'fire.'
The vocalist opens with an original by her drummer and percussionist, Adrian Varady titled, "The Witch." Maja collaborated with him on this song. This key sounds comfortable and suited to her style and vocal range. The band is smokin' hot, with Alan Bartus accompanying her on piano, Dezron Douglas is on bass and Johnathan Blake holds the tempo in perfect place on drums. I hear this tune getting lots of air play. Michael Rodriguez has a sweet, sultry tone during his trumpet solo. Alan Bartus has an ethereal approach to his piano solo that is quite captivating.
Maja Jaku is also a songwriter and has composed "I'm a Queen" where she plays around with scat singing atop the chord changes. This is her 5th album release. It was recorded in New York City rather than her native Austria. This Track #2 tune has a modern feel, featuring a strong bass line by Dezron Douglas that sets the groove.
On a song called "Lonely Little Fox" her rich alto voice is warm and inviting, although occasionally pitchy. Holding your tone steady in those low registers takes a lot of vocal control and air support. I think if she had raised the key a whole step up, it would have made all the difference.
The next tune has a positive title of "Blessing Will Come" that Maja Jaku has composed. Once again, the bass of Douglas makes this arrangement come alive. Maja has pitch problems on this song too.
I was looking forward to hearing how she handled the old and beautiful standard "Never Let Me Go." She did not disappoint. Her delivery was emotional and believable. The same with Bernard Ighner's "Everything Must Change," a song that always touches my soul with lyrics that are profound.
Origin Records presents an international vocal talent who is based in Austria and crosses continents with her vocal gifts and songwriting talents. This is a mix of contemporary and modern jazz, with some hip-hop undertones supported by outstanding musicians who are 'fire.'
Soundclips
Other Reviews of
"Blessed & Bewitched":
Bman's Blues Report by Bman
Paris Move by Thierry De Clemensat