Shades

Superb bassist, songwriter and vocalist Jack Prather has assembled a fine, mellow group of musicians and vocalists for this wonderful CD.  The ensemble is made up of vocalists Beth Wood, Stephanie Haynes,  Dewey Erney, Steve Wood and Jack Prather (also acoustic bass).  Additional instrumentalists include Leonard Thompson (piano), Ron Stout (trumpet), Keith Bishop (woodwinds), Jerry Kalaf (drums) and Sam Shepherd (guitar). This CD represents some blues, conditions of life and some happiness.  All tunes are distinctively done and delightful as well.   

All the compositions here are by Prather, whose lyrics and the music are quite entertaining.  The CD opens with the title tune, “Shades,” which Prather sings.  Haynes and Prather sing a groovy number, “Don’t Look Now,” one of the best of this CD, in my opinion. Trumpet great Ron Stout is also featured in this classy song.  Haynes sings a beautiful tune, “Suddenly It’s Summer,” in her mellow, smooth, identifiable voice.  

Pianist Thompson starts “Italian Jazz” with the rhythm section, followed by   solos from Bishop, Thompson and Shepherd.  Erney sings superbly in “Indiana Autumn” with exquisite backing from Stout, Shepherd, Kalaf and Prather.    The closing selection, “Here’s Looking At You” comes across very gracefully by Haynes and Prather’s eloquent vocalizing.  I was a little surprised that Prather, being the fine bassist he is, didn’t take any solos featuring his stellar bass work during any of his CD.  There are fifteen interesting songs altogether – all captivating jazz numbers!   

I would rate this effort as excellent and recommend it highly to jazz enthusiasts.  See www.CDBaby.com for purchasing information.   

Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, July, 2009 issue. 

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