By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Daphne Willis
"Because I Can"
Vanguard Records
Lest you think that singer-songwriter albums can't benefit from a funky horn
section and groove-oriented rhythm section, listen to Daphne Willis' new album, "Because
I Can," slated for release this week. The 23-year-old artist comes of
age on the neo-funk, leading track, "Shake It Off," the torch ballad "Sad," and
the Memphis-style soul tune "I Want To." The record's first single — one
of three being released as a digital 45 — "I Will Be Waiting," is
arguably the deepest emotional tune on "Because I Can." A song about
being patient and supportive of a significant other, it reminds listeners to
be stay positive and happy in life. Or as Willis puts it: "be the rock,
not the hard place." Well said, Ms. Willis. CV
(Daphne Willis plays Saturday, April 16 at 10 p.m. at the Vaudeville Mews.
$7.)
Postmodern Ensemble
"Awakenings"
Independent release
Postmodern Ensemble, the local duo of singer-guitarist Scot Jon Schwestka and keyboardist-singer Richard Webb, possesses the technical proficiency and spiritual spontaneity postmodern chamber jazz music deserves as witnessed by their debut album, "Awakenings." With help from drummers Vince Cline and Perry Ross, Postmodern Ensemble delivers 11 (mostly instrumental) original songs and two covers ("My Funny Valentine" and John Coltrane's "Naima") with flair. From the waltz-time, classical guitar of "Lullaby" and dramatic balladry of "Jack," to the bouncing jazz fusion of "No Not Yet" and "After the Thaw," this talented duo brings a modernist point of view to traditional jazz and classical music that is invigorating. What's more, the first 500 copies of "Awakenings" are signed and numbered and feature 33 different covers in a series of Schwestka's original paintings, drawings or photography. CV
(For more information about Postmodern Ensemble, visit postmodernensemble.com.)
