It was a debut at Spazio for singer Lulee
Fisher’s new CD, In Love Again (Red Road Records),
but not for the pretty vocalist, who has been working the
clubs for some time now. However, elegant in a classic black
gown, long, blond hair shimmering in the spotlights, in
appearance she could well have been a jazz society debutante.
For this recent event, Fisher was backed
by the same musicians who recorded with her: guitarist,
Larry Koonse, pianist Karen Hammack and drummer Jason Harnell,
plus her new bassist, the ever-popular Bob Maize. Also from
the original recording sessions, trombonist Ira Nepus, just
back from a tour of Japan with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz
Orchestra, sat in for a few numbers.
Performing before a crowd of fans, family
and friends, Fisher gave the audience a fine cross-section
of songs from ballads to bossa, from jazz to samba and humor.
Of particular appeal was rendition of Dave Frishberg’s
“Let’s Eat Home,” upbeat and “right
on.” Among the many other tunes from the 3-set evening
were “Old Devil Moon,” “Watch What Happens,”
“You Go to My Head,” “Devil May Care,”
“Better Than Anything,” “Wave,”
Honeysuckle Rose,” “Summer Samba,” “Whisper
Not,” and “That’s All.”
Friendly, personable and charming, Lulee Fisher’s
presence on stage was a winning one and complemented her
growing acceptance as one of the better singers emerging
on today’s jazz scene. As it is with any vocalist,
one is as only good as the band playing with you, and, in
this case, Miss Hammack, Messrs. Koonse, Maize and Harnell,
as well as guest artist Nepus, are all top-level talents
and provided the perfect accompaniment.
