Sudhalter has been a well-known saxophonist and flautist on the New York scene for many years, both forming and fronting various groups and bands and also working with others on their recordings. She is also a teacher of jazz and spends a month in Italy each year both touring and teaching, which is probably why both essays in this booklet have also been repeated in Italian. Although she is also known for playing tenor sax, this live recording features her just on flute and baritone, although she does also provide vocals on one song (apparently for the very first time). Along with Patrick Poladian (piano) , Kevin Hailey (bass) and Mike Campenni (drums) she produces a very relaxed modern jazz performance, which is full of emotion and delicacy.
The musicians know when to keep it all in the background and provide simple emotion, with “Time Remembered” being a wonderful example of restraint as the guys let Carol’s flute lead the way, and they provide the few notes needed to be a perfect accompaniment. Although all three are fine musicians, as one would expect, a special mention should be made of Kevin Hailey whose delicate touch on the bass combined with a complete understanding of the genre is simply sublime. There is nothing too extreme on this recording. Recorded at the Midday Jazz Midtown in the famous Saint Peter’s Church in New York City on March 7th, 2018, this is easy to listen to jazz which is a delight.
Rating: 7/10
