Great Sounds…and from a friend
“Dream Again” marks Ms. Anel’s first recording as co-producer and she is joined by her bassist, Cooke Harvey as the other half of this creative effort. Mr. Harvey’s impeccable bass stylings and arrangements make this joint effort the perfect collaboration”. Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
Our close friend, fellow-vacationer and all-round good egg Cooke H has joined forces with Miss Lil Anel in producing some stunning music and performances. Many musicians do the former but fail or don’t even attempt at the latter. We saw this duo (and friends) in action at the release of their ‘Dream Again’ co-production in Philadelphia this week, at the World Cafe. I’d enjoyed a preview issue of the CD, and liked it a lot. But the live rendition of their recordings was just that – live, alive, in-your-face, full, vibrant, delivered so well.
Cooke’s bass-ing was soooo original, suiting Lil’s music and great songs, interpreted through every style of bass playing, including fretless, tapping, sliding – everything, often providing the lead. His solo accompanying of Lil was haunting, soulful. Lead guitar came from the hands, head and face of Dave, working successfully per song with Lil on the complex and intricate songs. Lil performs with an earnest fullness and even overcame my only disquiet of the CD – the ‘Wallet’ track (I don’t like folks pressing religion).
It was a memorable night, and to see our good friend ‘up-there’ doing his thing, and doing it so well – wow!