Synia Carroll: Water is My Song

Water is My Song, from Sarasota-based vocalist Synia Carroll, sends up ten terrific vocals, tasteful solos and surprises. Water-related selections and themes span across the date wherein Carroll and her team of fine players hit on the classics, hand-picked gems and uniquely presented traditional fare.

"Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" starts things swinging with Carroll's "Great Divas of Jazz"-inspired pipes swaying and over a laid-back rhythm bed. Guest artist Houston Person offers a tasty tenor solo. It is a classy and interesting rendition. Carroll co- wrote "Child of the Times" with a pianist Jane Getz. It is a lush, textured light rock effort and an inviting track. Aaron Heick's soprano sax adds flavor responding to Carroll's melodic interpretation. Her griot-like poetry, arco bass, light percussion, flute and background chants prelude the traditional "Wade in the Water." Deeply rhythmic, the track is all African echoes. "How Deep is the Ocean" has her upfront in a duet with Kenny Davis, whose bass scampers around her. The tune is up-tempo and, albeit brief, it is a unique and highlight track. "Learning How to Fly" is a lively bossa nova with Carroll in joyful flight over an energetic rhythm bed. This is a song in which there is optimism in melody and lyric via Carroll's presentation. Heick offers a fine flute ride. Background vocals join in to sail off.

Carroll's voice is an attractive and inviting one. She oozes positivity while delivering impeccable phrasing, diction, and swing. She has done her homework, and it shows. It is a surprise that while she is an award-winner, this is only her second release.

Mongo Santamaria's frequently recorded classic which celebrates African culture and heritage, "Afro Blue" commences with heavy percussion and call and response African dialect chant before Person and Carroll join in a slower, deep-grooved take incorporating African spoken text and Person's muscular tenor.

The rhythm section here is active and energized. It adds heavily to the overall enjoyment. The varied grooves on the session allow for much of their rhythmic involvement. Kudos to producer John DiMartino, as well.

"Alfonsina Y El Mar," the sad tale of Argentinian poet Alfosina Storni is a beautiful statement presented with Carroll's vocals sung in Spanish. Pianist John DiMartino accompanies with style and taste. Whether one knows that language or not, this is a track in which to immerse oneself. It is a brilliant performance and production choice. Frequently recorded "Norwegian Wood," from the Lennon and McCartney songbook, is a dark and intense feature. DiMartino's reharmonization of the chords and Heick's flute and the freer time-play add to that ambience. The track builds to an intense fadeout. "Willow Weep for Me" is pure soul, lusty and deep blue. "The Water is Wide," is a Scottish folk song that ends the date slowly and thoughtfully with backing vocals and Will Galison's harmonica fitting in perfectly.

"Water is My Song" is an extremely enjoyable and well-produced effort by a superb singer and her friends.

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