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  While
many albums compiled and performed by Americas academics leave me
with the feeling that I've been lectured to, rather than enlightened,
Q'd Up's second album, Sq'd Horizons, is a notable exception. Featuring
members of the musical faculty of Brigham Young University, Q'd
Up, along with guest vocalist Kelly Eisenhour, shows us that great
jazz is not isolated to the coasts. It's alive and quite well in
the tops of the Rocky Mountains.
A somewhat
eclectic mix, this recording should most appeal to those who's tastes
border across the modern mainstream sound and a bit into the smooth
jazz realm. But most "smooth jazz" has nothing on this
album. From new interpretations of classics such as "One Note
Samba" to original compositions like "First Samuel"
and "SK no J" by the band's Steve Lindeman, Q'd Up brings
us wonderfully tight performances and innovative arrangements.
My
only complaints with this album are that Kelly Eisenhour seems to
need a few bars to warm up to the tunes. Her performances seem simply
adequate in the beginnings, as if she really isn't excited about
them. This is really unfortunate because when she does get going,
she breaths new life and true joy into the songs. The instrumental
solo work is a little uneven at times, as well. Other times, though,
the members of the band truly sparkle.
Nature
Boy is a notable exception, and in my opinion is the true jewel
in this recording. Over and over I was blown away by the innovative
arrangement, and the amazing solos, and most importantly Kelly Eisenhour's
vocal work. She really shines through and shows us what it means
to be a top Jazz vocalist in this song. To be fair, I've loved this
song for years. To be doubly fair, I think this is the best version
of it I have ever had the absolute pleasure of hearing.
I'll
freely admit that when I first started listening to this album,
I was skeptical. But I noticed something as time went on. I kept
listening. I kept spinning the CD over and over, and not just so
I could give a fair review. It hooked me, and I just had to keep
listening. You will too. Go ahead. Get over your fears that this
can't be good because it come from Utah, and BYU no less! Give it
a spin. You'll find yourself continuing to listen and enjoy, just
like I did.
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Guest
Reviewer: John Newman
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