Not everyone knows the wonderful singer Petra van Nuis — but they’re missing out on a rare pleasure. The same sentiments apply to guitarist Andy Brown: both are subtle, winning improvisers much admired by Chicagoans. Petra and Andy know the rare art of becoming the songs they sing and play rather than standing at a distance from the material.
They’ve been performing with a swinging ensemble candidly titled PETRA’S RECESSION SEVEN, which features superb musicians: clarinetist Kim Cusack; trombonist Russ Phillips; trumpeter Art Davis; bassist Joe Policastro; drummer Bob Rummage — everyone in lyrical, rocking form. Here, Petra and the band woo us with DO IT AGAIN:
Another invitation — of another sort — to join the band on a trip to BASIN STREET. I always think this song could be given a brief vacation (it’s been done so often) but this version makes it new:
Wonderful music — and perhaps someday the band name will appropriately be PETRA’S PROSPERITY PLAYERS? Until that day . . . we can savor the charming sounds here. And to find out more about Petra and Andy, please visit here.
May your happiness increase.
JAZZ LIVES 