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Angela Hagenbach
The Way They Make Me Feel
Resonance Records RCD 1011
What do you get when you mix and match innovative arrangements,
excellent musicianship and a rich, deep, haunting vocal? The
answer is Angela Hagenbach’s debut Cd on Resonance Records. Ms.
Hagenbach brings a husky, soothing style and timbre that is
perfect for interpreting Johnny Mandel’s wonderful “Cinnamon
and Clove” composition. It is the opening cut on her premier
Cd. Arranged as a spicy, Brazilian Samba, this song begins a
fascinating journey along side a new jazz vocalist. Hagenbach
has chosen a handful of timeless compositions to explore in her
opulent, alto voice. It doesn’t take long to recognize that
once given free rein, she expresses an incredible range of
emotion. This vocalist is smoothly innovative. She tantalizes
the listener with both tone and interpretation. Producer George
Klabin has pulled out the brilliance and the best in Hagenbach.
From the very first note, she draws you into her song. Like any
great storyteller, she weaves a web of intoxicating melodies
and offers a fresh style that entices one to listen more; feel
more; think more. Compositions like “Summer Me, Winter Me”
remind us of Michel Legrand’s genius with unforgettable lyrics
by the Bergmans. Why don’t more people sing this poem? I
wonder. It’s easy to get caught up in Hagenbach’s delivery and
lyrical elucidation. I thoroughly enjoyed her swinging
presentation of Mancini’s “Charade”. When she tells romantic
tales like “His Eyes, Her Eyes” her voice and sincerity
captivate. Not to mention she is surrounded by a host of
musicians who exemplify the crème-de-la-crème. Tamir Hendelman
on piano, Kevin Axt on bass, Bill Wysaske on drums make up the
trio. The addition of Steve Wilkerson on reeds, Willie Murillo
on trumpet, Frank Marocco on accordion, Peter Kent,
concertmaster, violin and Larry Koonse on guitar thicken the
musical stew and make a delicious mix. The lovely string
orchestra arrangements by Kuno Schmid amply support Angela
Hagenbach’s voice. Pianist, Tamir Hendelman has also added his
solid and innovative arrangements on a number of these songs.
This Cd makes for a delightful stocking stuffer that will bring
pleasure for years to come.
Cd review by Dee Dee McNeil – November, 2009
Dee Dee McNeil
November 2009
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