New York Voices have won fans and fame via fluidly chromatic treatments of jazz standards such as “All Blues” and “‘Round Midnight.” This is the “new” New York Voices, the original quintet now a foursome minus Sara Krieger and Caprice Fox, plus Lauren Kinhan. But the sound that won a Grammy hasn’t diminished as the ensemble puts the spin on 14 Paul Simon songs.
The harmonies seem tighter and more intricate than ever on “Still Crazy After All These Years” and “Loves Me Like a Rock.” There’s more solo space here, as leader Darmon Meader’s smooth tenor explores “Cecilia,” Peter Eldridge handles the lead on “Mother and Child,” Kim Nazarian is featured on “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard” and newcomer Kinhan scats her way through “One Man’s Ceiling.” The quartet is backed by keyboardist Andrew Ezrin, guitarist Pete Calo and drummer Ben Whitman, plus guest spots by guitarist Russell Malone on “Punky’s Dilemma,” bassist Christian McBride on “Loves Me Like a Rock” and a chamber quartet on “Old Friends/Bookends.”
New York Voices: New York Voices Sing The Songs of Paul Simon
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