We loved New York City's own 3 men, 2 women Vocal Jazz quintet West Side 5 at the 2010 Harmony Sweeps Finals in San Rafael, their first self-titled EP album, and "West Side 5," this remarkable 12-cut debut CD! The 5 have the kind of sophisticated, buttery jazz harmonies, sweet original arrangements of jazz, pop, show tunes and bossa nova songs and some of the best faux horns we've heard. Some favorites are Billy Strayhorn's "Take the A Train," the Disney standard "Someday My Prince Will Come," Sammy Cahn's "Call Me Irresponsible" and "I Fall In Love Too Easily;" George Shearing's "Lullabye of Birdland," Jones/Schmidt's poignant "Try to Remember," Hupfeld's "As Time Goes By," Tim Eller's bright, scattish "Self-Absorbed, and Newley/Bricusse's "Pure Imagination." "If they can make it there, they'll make it anywhere" is absolutely true, and Lara, Sara, John, Eric & Steven are commonly compared to such elite groups as the Real Group and New York Voices. Great jazz, album and group, don't miss this one! |
