-A Review by Linda Reynolds -
A few weeks ago, in mid March, I had the pleasure
of catching a set of some remarkably refreshing music
at the Iridium in midtown Manhattan.
The unique jazz and pop vocalist Bethany Wild was joined by an impressive and solid trio comprised of Glafkos Kontemeniotis on piano, Fima Ephron on bass, and veteran Dave Meade on drums.
In an hour set that covered some classic standards and jazz tunes, as well as a few originals, she lead her trio through a selection of almost a dozen tunes that included a fun and bawdy rendition of “Gee, Baby, Ain't I Good To You?” “Prelude To A Kiss,” All of You,” “Body and Soul,” “Afro Blue,” and a jaunty lyrical version of “Well, You Needn't,” as well as her original songs “A Chance of Peace,” “Hummingbird Street,” “The Shooba” (a real crowd pleaser), and the charming “Wonders of the Heart.”
I hadn't heard Wild in years--the last time I heard her sing she was doing all originals. She has rediscovered her first love--the standards-- which she grew up hearing as a child (her parents were big fans of the music).
Many pop singers are seduced by the elegant clarity of the lush melodies and sophisticated lyrics of traditional jazz standards, and many a pop singer stumbles when attempting to navigate the sometimes tricky depths of these songs. Ms. Wild is not one of those singers.
Whether interpreting the standards or presenting her own material, all of it was classic Bethany. Her voice is a friendly instrument that delivers effortlessly all the way, hinting at and toying with the melody, growling and soaring, totally at ease with not knowing exactly what's coming next.
A mature and confident artist who can swing like crazy on the up tempo material, and still caress every nuance from the ballads {“Body and Soul” was especially lovely), she brought both complete respect and a sense of humor to every note she sang.
Still I admit I happen to have a bias for Ms. Wild’s original tunes. She is an amazing songwriter with an uncanny knack of throwing together a catchy tune and an irresistible lyric, like a natural born chef who cooks without a recipe-- she‘s just got it like that.
Whether her songs are humorous and witty, or hauntingly profound-- her unique and lofty musical observations tied to the tale of song--her voice needs to be heard, whether through her own very lovely one or many others.
Later that evening, I felt, when I emerged from the dark basement nightclub into the unseasonably mild winter night, that I had already experienced a breath of fresh air. If the opportunity arises to catch this beautiful force of nature sing live, do not hesitate to take it!
