The vibraphone is an instrument which has never gained as much popularity as one might expect and is certainly not something I come across a great deal which is something I have always thought is a shame. In my youth was I was in a marching band and played the bell lyre, so do feel some affinity, while I used to see Poli Palmer (Family) play a great deal in a pub in South London, but there are very few who have made it to the top, even though Ruth Underwood was a key part of the Mothers’ sound.
Here we have the debut album from band leader Carolyn Trowbridge who as well as undertaking a lot of session work can also be found leading her own quartet which of guitarist Bryan Sunderman, bassist Mario Castellanos, and drummer/ percussionist Nick Tozzo who are here joined on various selections by flautist Alex Coke, harpist Elaine Barber, tenor-saxophonist Jason Frey, along with vocals provided by Caitlin Palmer. Trowbridge leads the band through ten originals, which demonstrates she is a wonderful musician, although the material feels quite laid-back and unless played on headphones there is a real danger of it being lost in the background. I found I quite enjoyed it while I was listening to it, but never felt inclined to play it again unless I had to, and I am sure that once the CD is placed in the right place in the collection it will never come out to be played again, which is a shame.
If you want to hear some soft jazz with vibraphone often in the lead, and a harp making some delicious entrances in the background, then this may be for you.
Rating: 6/10