June 2, 2005

Weisman-Wyeth CD Release

Sue Harrison

BANNER STAFF

Cape Cod Jazz Singer Carol Wyeth makes her recording debut on the CD “Bart Weisman Jazz Group, Featuring Carol Wyeth.”

Weisman used only yearround Cape musicians on the CD, including Bruce Abbott on Sax, Alan Clinger on Guitar, Joe Delaney and Ted Jellinek on piano, Laird Boles and Michael Ryle on bass and, of course, Weisman himself on percussion and drums. The CD was recorded in Brewster and features all styles of popular jazz standards. It can be purchased at Muir Music, Now Voyager Bookstore and Clem & Ursie’s in Provincetown, at Booksmith Musicsmith in Orleans, Yellow Umbrella in Chatham, and Borders Books and Music in Hyannis.

Weisman and his Wife, Amy Heller, moved to Provincetown from Washington, DC, where he performed with his jazz group. He was formerly with the U.S. Air Force Band and performed for presidents, heads of state and celebrities. He also backed singers Rebecca Parris, Suede, Lea DeLaria, Zoe Lewis, Lisa Jason and Stephanie Jordan.

All during this past winter Weisman has been performing with Wyeth at Clem & Ursie’s Restaurant in Provincetown. Turns out, the mix of Clem’s ambiance with its artist-painted table tops and chairs, large menu of counter food and live music was a hit and pulled in crowds. Weisman decided a CD was in order and now it’s ready to go.

The CD has nine jazzy tracks beginning with “Summer Samba” and then slides into upbeat “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore.” Wyeth’s smoky voice carries the selections on the CD well, and the other musicians are top-notch professionals who deliver sound musical accompaniment. Other tracks are “Straighten Up and Fly Right,” “I’m Beginning to See the Light,” “Candy,” “One Note Samba,” This Can’t Be Love,” “Surry with the Fringe on Top” and “That’s All.”

Whereas most of the songs are done in recognizable, straight-up jazz rendition, Wyeth and Weisman’s version of “Surry” is unlike any version likely heard before, with its slowed pacing, wandering piano riffs and Wyeth’s torchy delivery. The CD is a nice smooth-groove addition to any collection.