Music CD Sample Page
All music samples are 30 to 45 seconds in length and played at 128kpbs in MP3 format. The full CD is available for purchase from the CD Baby website. Please use the links below to jump to a particular section of this page.
Mostly Bop Music CD
Girltalk Music CD
Music CD Reviews
Mostly Bop Music CD
Girltalk Music CD
Music CD Reviews
Mostly Bop CD Review by Brad Walseth - jazzchicago.net
Mostly Bop is a loving recreation of the great songs of the be-bop era (mostly) by Sue Pasquale and the (somewhat misnamed) Windy City Be-Bop Trio, and it is a delightful release by these Chicago suburban jazz musicians. Hip in the suburbs! sounds crazy doesn't it? but these folks prove that the spirit of jazz can survive anything - even strip malls and endless subdivisions.
Working with a mix of beloved standards like How High the Moon/Ornithology," "Body and Soul" and "Honeysuckle Rose," as well as some surprises - Monk's "Straight, No Chaser," Gerry Mulligan's "Line for Lyons," Pasquale and her group succeed by paying attention to and actually playing the songs themselves - a novel approach in this day and age. With such great songs, there is no need to clutter or destroy these timeless melodies with egotistic and often sub-par improvisations. This is not to say the singer and her musicians aren't splendid soloists - they are - but they understand that taste is an important element in conveying the swinging feel of the standards.
Sue Pasquale's vocals shine wonderfully throughout this recording. She has a way of getting inside and caressing a melody and can bring chills without resorting to the pyrotechnics modern singers often resort to. Her scatting is often fiery, always delicious, and her understated phrasing is a joy on ballads like the bluesy "I Keep Goin' Back to Joe's" and her husband Bill's lovely original "You Said You Couldn't Dance." In turn, the band plays well together in instrumental sections or while adding admirably sensitive backing for the singer. Bill's guitar work is just what the doctor ordered in terms of how to play a song/support a singer, and shows clearly the years of experience he gained supporting major acts like Johnny Mathis and Johnny Hartman. Dave Poe's baritone sax lends a lyrical world-weariness to the proceedings that suits this piano-less group extremely well, while Mark Neuenschwander's rhythmic bass is creamy good. The overall production is enhanced by the clear, clean sound achieved by engineer Dave Levitt at Accutrack Studios that features the singer while allowing each instrument their own voice.
All in all "Mostly Bop" is a tasty, attentive presentation of great music that proves there is life (and jazz) in the suburbs - well done!
Mostly Bop CD Review by Michael Fitzgerald
There are some differences from Sue Pasquale's earlier CD "Girl Talk" - first and foremost, no drums on this CD! This has an incredible freeing effect. There is a lighter feeling but no letting up on the intensity. Sometimes instruments or even vocals are presented unaccompanied and this is a fantastic sound (check the blending of "How High The Moon"/"Ornithology"). Sue Pasquale's voice is clear and accurate, with great confidence. A real gem on this CD is Bill Pasquale and John Strickland's original composition "You Said You Couldn't Dance" - it's the equal of well-known pieces by Michel Legrand. Another unexpected highlight is the instrumental version of Milt Jackson's "Bags' Groove" - what a pleasant treat on what might seem like a vocalist's album. But as opposed to many recordings, this one seems to be one where every participant is an equal.
At some points it sounds like anyone could be the leader: a real team effort with the common goal of great music. Everyone gives 100% and no one is coasting here. The excellent recording quality and tasteful arrangements allow every single note to be heard - and every single note is well worth hearing! As with the earlier CD, there are some rarely heard lyrics to jazz classics - "Line For Lyons" and "Stolen Moments", in particular. This beautifully produced album is not to be missed by anyone who appreciates the finest in jazz.
Girltalk CD Review by Michael Fitzgerald
Although not household names, the musicians on this recording are exceptional and deserve much wider recognition. There is a wide variety of music presented and the musicality and taste is always at the highest level. There are no low points here. Both this and the later "Mostly Bop" CD are must-haves for fans of the kind of jazz made by classic vocalists like Annie Ross. The fresh lyrics to well-known bebop tunes (Doxy and Groove Yard, for example) need to be heard! The instrumentalists do not get short shrift either - there are marvelous jazz solos on every track and the thoughtful and original arrangements hold things together making for an appealing presentation.
Submit your review or comments by emailing Sue Pasquale.
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