Kristin Callahan - Lost in a Dream

Styles: Vocal
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 34:13
Size: 78,7 MB
Art: Front

(5:25) 1. Lush Life
(0:54) 2. Memories Always Start
(3:59) 3. Round Midnight
(4:41) 4. Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise
(4:33) 5. Lost in a Dream
(6:37) 6. Caravan
(4:59) 7. The Shadow of Your Smile
(3:02) 8. Once I Loved

The body of compositions known as "jazz standards" has proved to be as durable as it is long lived. These musical pieces, partially provided by the "Great American Songbook" and partially by composing jazz practitioners, have afforded artists a veritable bottomless pit of material with which to apply their own unique vision. One-hundred-plus years of recording history have resulted in a great many standard interpretations. So now it is difficult, if not aesthetically dangerous, for newer artists to delve into its center, attempting anything new from the old. The days when a standards collection could be assembled and presented with little thought are gone. A standards collection recorded today must be carefully programmed and performed, It is also beneficial that the collection be thematically integrated. It is this careful curation, this thoughtful selection of material coupled with a seasoned instrumental approach, which makes vocalist Kristin Callahan's Lost in a Dream successful.

Lost in a Dream follows two previous releases by the Washington, DC-based Callahan, A New Love (Self Produced, 2011) and One Magic Day (Self Produced, 2013), each a more tradition exposition of the standards book. For the present recording, Callahan and bassist-arranger Eliot Seppa, accomplish the "something new (or newer)" by using a guitar-bass-percussion rhythm section consisting of guitarist Matvei Sigalov, Seppa, and percussionist Tom Teasley (among others) and an organically centered production approach to recording. The entire recital is given a light Latin treatment, providing the collection its focal integration. Never heavy-handed, each song bears its Latin seasoning well. In particular, "Lush Life" and "'Round Midnight" are revealed as capable vehicles for the Latin humidity imparted by the gentle clave rhythm employed.

The Ellington-Tizol composition "Caravan" is a perfect song for this presentation. What sets its performance apart from others is the forward-thinking guitar solo of Sigalov, which mixes equal parts of flamenco, Far East scales, with a touch of Stephen Stills ("Carry On") tossed in the mix in an edgy and anxious monolog buffeted by precision percussion. It is as provocative as revealing. Callahan's evenly tempered voice proves a great match for the material. The sum of results is a svelte interpretation not within a light year of a cliche. In between lies "The Shadow of Your Smile" and the title track, both strategically performed to express the integral Latin without becoming saccharine or overstated. Callahan's and Seppa's tactical application of Joe Herrera's trumpet, Matt Rippetoe's saxophone and added percussion throughout ensure the intended stylistic tone is complete It is this careful balance of thought, planning, and application that makes this recording so appealing.~ C.Michael Bailey https://www.allaboutjazz.com/lost-in-a-dream-kristin-callahan-ivy-door

Personnel: Kristin Callahan: voice / vocals; Eliot Seppa: bass; Matvei Sigalov: guitar; Tom Teasley: percussion; Joe Herrera: trumpet; Matt Rippetoe: saxophone; Mark Prince: drums; Lee Pearson: drums; Carroll Dashiell III: drums.

Lost in a Dream

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Kristin Callahan - A New Love

Styles: Vocal Jazz
Year: 2011
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:18
Size: 91,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:15)  1. The Very Thought Of You
(5:08)  2. Cry Me A River
(3:49)  3. Whatever Lola Wants
(4:11)  4. What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life
(4:34)  5. Someone To Watch Over Me
(4:16)  6. The Boy From Ipanema
(4:53)  7. Small Day Tomorrow
(2:59)  8. Just One Of Those Things
(4:09)  9. Summertime

Anyone who has ever sat in on a performance by Kristin Callahan will later describe the unexpected silence that falls over the building after the first couple lines in an attempt to communicate the authentic experience they had that night. They may also tell of the stunned delay in applause when the song was over. They may say that they forgot what they had been talking about, or that their drink was just as full when the song was over as it was when it began. But in the end, they'll probably tell you to just go see it for yourself. Because what they're trying to tell you is that Kristin Callahan has that rare ability to coax listeners into the anticipation of each note, to bring people into the very soul of music, that realm of musical experience that is ill-described in the past tense. 

Quiet and unassuming, Callahan has a stage presence that is both sweet and sexy, one that catches everyone off guard and then keeps them there until the very last note. From her shy smiles between songs to her flawless execution of some of the most demanding pieces, Kristin exudes the perfect combination of country charm and urbane hipness. She grew up in a small town in Western Maryland, where it became evident early on in her childhood that she was a vocal prodigy. With the encouragement of all those who recognized her talent, she began learning and singing gospel songs in her church and in talent shows across the region, regularly winning any competition she entered. As a promising eighteen-year-old, Kristin was awarded a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music summer program, where she began honing in on her style that today ranges from blues to R&B and Jazz. 

Her experiences there had a profound impact on her direction in life, confirming music and art as her passion. Kristin knew from her experience there that her life, in whatever way possible, would be dedicated to her gift. And so it has been since then. Today Callahan is fully focused on her art, and has recorded and performed with several accomplished musicians, including the well-known D.C pianist Vince Evans, who is featured on Kristin's album, "a new love". Some may already know of the authentic experience of music that attendees of Kristin's performances are trying to describe. They may think they've found it in other places. But there's something else hanging in the hushed tone of the crowd besides tranquility and awe. It's vibrant. It's exciting. It's knowing that you're witnessing enormous potential actualizing before your very eyes. It's sensing that Kristin Callahan is a name you will remember. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kristincallahan

A New Love

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Kristin Callahan - One Magic Day

Styles: Vocal Jazz, Bossa Nova
Year: 2013
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:58
Size: 121,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:59)  1. Fly Me To The Moon
(3:03)  2. Sway
(5:00)  3. My Funny Valentine
(3:50)  4. Honeysuckle Rose
(3:27)  5. That Old Feeling
(3:40)  6. Nature Boy
(3:38)  7. East Of The Sun
(4:09)  8. Quiet Nights
(2:23)  9. Bye Bye Blackbird
(3:57) 10. In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
(4:21) 11. All Of Me
(3:33) 12. So Nice
(4:07) 13. The Look Of Love
(1:45) 14. Smile

Anyone who has heard Kristin Callahan sing would agree that her voice is absolutely mesmerizing. Kristin has that rare ability to coax listeners into the anticipation of each note, enticing people into the very soul of the music. Quiet and unassuming, Callahan has a stage presence that is both sweet and sexy, one that catches everyone off guard and then keeps them there until the very last note. From her shy smiles between songs to her flawless execution of some of the most demanding pieces, Kristin exudes the perfect combination of country charm and urbane hipness.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kristincallahan3

One Magic Day

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