Carla Helmbrecht
Be Cool Be Kind (Heart Music)
At any given time the marketplace is flooded with dime-a-dozen female jazz singers of all stripes. So much so, that were it not for the fact that this particular “product” appeared on the Austin imprint Heart Music, it might easily have been relegated to my ever-expanding and dust-accumulating to-be-played stack. Were that the case, I would have missed out on a thoroughly delightful album that features a voice of uncommon beauty. From the very first song, the self-penned title track, Ms. Helmbrecht had this heartless cynic wrapped up in her graceful charms. Her voice, possessing a slight sultry quality, exudes such an intimate warmth and embracing clarity that one is not so much enticed or seduced as simply welcomed into her songs. This is the San Francisco singer’s second release for the small Austin label and her first in nearly six years following a successful debut with One for My Baby. She has surrounded herself this time out with a buoyant and sensitive piano trio anchored by former Bill Evans drummer Joe LaBarbera. Playing a prominent role on several tracks with his impeccable playing is A-List saxman Ernie Watts, a current member of Charlie Haden’s Quartet West and veteran of countless sessions. Adding to the overall listener-friendly ambience is pacing that eschews long stretches of ponderous ballads, welcome relief from a trend that seems to be hampering many a jazz vocal album these days. With an Austin label handling her music, perhaps Ms. Helmbrecht will pay us a visit and share her splendid talents.
This article appears in June 15 • 2001.