Annie Sellick is in the driver's seat on "Street of Dreams"

Annie Sellick has a vocal swagger that cannot be mistaken. Those who have heard her previous recordings know that this is nothing new. This confidence isn't limited to Annie's voice. A look of the eye, coupled with an assuring smile lends the audience a teasing hint of what's in store for the evening.

In 2009, Annie Sellick released her 5th CD, Street of Dreams. The 11-track CD features two rhythm section sets - Gerald Clayton (piano), Dan Lutz (bass), and Kevin Kanner (drums) on half of the tunes, and Tamir Hendelman (piano), Christoph Luty (bass), and Jeff Hamilton (drums) on the other half.

The CD opens with Cloudburst, a thumping bass trot by Dan Lutz, as Annie enters with bouncing lyrics of going through life with a frown. A drumming pattern segues to an up-tempo pace. Annie's lyrics are rapid, yet smooth; very close to a scatting pace. The rhythm section of Gerald's piano, Dan's bass, and Kevin's drums are locked in with Annie's vocals, as she passes the baton to the fluidity of Gerald's piano solo, which is then followed by Kevin's drums. The time change and scat-like tempo represents newfound joy of finding the one who makes you turn that frown upside down - the special someone who makes you happy. It also represents optimism for years of happiness to come. The end of the tune is as pronounced and definite as a "cloudburst", making it a great metaphor, and appropriate title for this number.

Do it Again is romantically sneaky, with Annie taking a seductive vocal approach, accompanied by some skillful basswork by Christoph. The tune is cleanly executed, as the group drifts in and out of playful rhythm and time changes. Christoph's bass, along with Jeff's cymbal taps, really add to the sly feel of this enticing tune.

Annie demonstrates vocal dexterity in Tristeza, a samba number that finds her giving us some fluent Portuguese lyrics. The tempo is fun and infectious.

Things slow down with I know you oh so well. Kevin's brushes and Gerald's piano set the tempo and the mood, drawing a dimly-lit & cozy jazz stage to the mind's eye. Annie softens her voice to an intoxicating tone as the delivery of her lyrics are mellow and deliberate.

In the title track, Annie sings of a place where we can find all things good: what is broken is fixed, and what is old is new again. All the while, the rhythm section offers a traditional and steady jazz pattern, with Rod McGaha's trumpet concurring to the vocal testimony as well. The end of this tune will actually leave you pining for the street of dreams.

The CD closes with Look out for Love, a piano-driven, suspenseful tune. The rhyming pattern of the lyrics are cleverly crafted (she'll get the marriage book out/she'll pick the perfect nook out/her welcome has been shook out/look out, its love). Midway through, Tamir carries a spirited piano solo, along with Christoph's walking bass. Then Annie's commanding scat ushers in Jeff's moving drum solo. This is the perfect closing number, exhibiting everyone's skill with a punctuated ending that leaves you wanting more.

Annie drives Street of Dreams through a journey of lively rhythms and seductive tempos. She shares with us an array of feelings: from the bubbly innocence of newfound love, to the sneaky playful romance of Do it Again, to the "get out and shake it" party mood of Mambo-Italiano. The Vocal wit, spunk, and skill is easily detected in each of her tunes, and equally so by her supportive and talented rhythm group.

This month, Annie Sellick comes to The Blue Wisp for two nights, March 27th & 28th. The Blue Wisp is located at 318 East 8th Street, downtown (513) 241-9477. Both shows start at 8:30. Admission is $15. Cheers!

- jh

Bruce Menefield - shaping lives through music

Bruce Menefield is more than an extraordinary Saxophonist - he's an ambassador for the enrichment of music education for our youth. He is the President and CEO of Omni Works Music, a non-profit organization that provides programs demonstrating the expression and creativity of Jazz music to young people. Bruce is a Humanitarian - pulling together some of the city's most talented musicians to hold the "Help them to Sing Again" benefit for the Haitian children displaced from the earthquake last January.

Bruce has played professionally for over 35 years, collaborating with some of the best artists in the industry, and performed in countless venues. Bruce operates on another stratosphere that extends beyond performing music. He navigates his abilities for enriching lives, guidance, and love. The community sees this, and is very grateful for his work. This is why Bruce Menefield is this month's Featured Artist.To learn more about Bruce Menefield, including scheduled shows, visit his website or his facebook page.

- jh

The Winter Blahs

Shortly after the month of January, the "newness" of the new year wears thin. The bleak, cold, and overcast days of winter begins to take its toll on weary cabin-fevered people; as they dream of sunshine, warmth, and cargo shorts (and for me, my scooter). This is traditionally known as "The Stretch of Winter" - that time when everyone's tolerance, moods, and patience is put to the test. As we draw closer to that spring finish line, it actually appears further and further. Some of us have "vices" to get us by: The Superbowl, College basketball, Xbox, the list goes on.

The first two months of the year has already given us the one-two punch of frigid temperatures in January, and a major dumping of snow in February. But fret not, for it's now March, and the first day of spring is within our grasp. Very soon, clocks will move forward one hour, the Reds will begin training, we'll start filling our NCAA brackets, and colouring our easter eggs. To prepare, I recommend shaking off that cabin fever and step out of the house to see some of the many scheduled jazz events this month. It is only fitting that Mr. Larry Kinley starts us off with his quintet at the Fairfield Community Arts Center on March 5th.

And while my next statement to you may be premature, it is in fact imminent: Welcome to Spring; and Congratulations on surviving Winter.

- jh

(the aforementioned is the Editor's note in the Spring edition of the Inner Circle, the official newsletter of The Jazz Half).