Karrin Allyson just keeps getting better. The jazz artist rose to prominence in the '90s while based in the Kansas City area. She's since been nominated for three Grammy Awards and continues to garner international acclaim. Allyson's effort during her second set Thursday at Jardine's revealed an artist who's confidently achieving even greater artistic heights.
Allyson might consider onetime Kansas City resident Marilyn Maye an inspiring role model. The vocalist is currently enjoying a remarkable late-career renaissance. While she's decades younger than Maye, Allyson is poised to become the next great matriarch of jazz.
On Thursday, however, Allyson demonstrated that's she's still full of youthful vigor. A theme of forthright sensuality ran through much of her 80-minute set. From the lustful growl she employed on a steamy reading of opening song "Moanin'" to her sweetly seductive cries on closing number "Comes Love," Allyson emphasized the libidinous aspects of romance.
The jaunty "I Found The Turnaround" was positively lascivious and "Everything I've Got Belongs To You" was imbued with suggestive innuendo. "Insensatez" was among the several Brazilian selections that, while less directly carnal, still smoldered seductively.
The audience of about 75 approved of Allyson's good-natured sauciness. As with her 2009 appearance at the jazz club, however, the night's loudest cheers were directed at guitarist Rod Fleeman. Whether he was adding clever harmonies to Allyson's accomplished piano playing or firing off one of many stupendous solos, Fleeman's work was impeccable.
"He's a poet, man!" Allyson exclaimed as Fleeman received a wave of spontaneous applause.
Bassist Gerald Spaits was also in fine form. His contribution to the wistful "Too Young To Go Steady" was particularly gorgeous. Drummer Eric Montzka was also terrific. Several of Kansas City's most notable jazz musicians caught Thursday's show. Allyson couldn't resist cajoling two of them, bassist Bob Bowman and drummer Tommy Ruskin, to sit in with her.
Allyson dismissed the band to perform "Robert Frost" and the achingly tender "And So It Goes." A break from the evening's sensual theme, the songs were the set's most emotionally rewarding moments. Her straightforward reading of the latter selection represented song interpretation of the highest order.
Allyson's ongoing artistic evolution, combined with the likelihood that she'll remain active for decades, is cause for rejoicing among jazz fans.
(Allyson is scheduled to perform two sets tonight at Jardine's.)
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
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