Although
the African-American singer and poet Pierre L. Chambers started
performing about 40 years ago, he has never recorded a solo album. Meeting Cathy Segal Garcia on stage was the impetus he needed. This debut album is a collection of modern jazz classics in different styles.
In between are some of his poems, recited with improvised music in the background. Whether he sings a ballad or bebop or swing, or recites his poems, his warm voice always resonates.
Music was in his DNA, as his father was bassist Paul Chambers, one of the most iconic jazz musicians of the last century. His mother, Annie Chambers, instilled in him a love for jazz. Pierre therefore dedicates this album to his parents.
'Work Song' opens in a cheerful jazzy atmosphere, after which he brings the classic 'My Favorite Things' (especially a Christmas song). The jazz standard ‘The Nearness of You’ creates a warm, cozy jazzy atmosphere, and the bossa nova of ‘Dear Ann’ is the next track.
'This Mother' is the first of his poems, followed by a swinging version of 'Paper Moon'. The quiet 'Lonely Girl', on the other hand, evokes images of a smoky jazz club, after which the cheerful 'My Shining Hour' arrives.
The classic 'The Way You Look Tonight' brings Pierre in a warm way, followed by the poem 'My Father'. The last track is 'Afro Blue' on which he pays tribute to his Afro-American heritage. Cathy Segal Garcia can be heard in the background.
A debut that shows emotional versions of jazz classics, but also presents his other creative side, that of a poet. A debut that was long overdue, but has now become reality!
Tracks:
Work Song
My Favorite Things
The Nearness of You
Dear Ann
This Mother
Paper Moon
Lonely Girl
My Shining Hour
The Way You Look Tonight
My Father
Afro Blue
Pierre L. Chambers
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