Give Me the Simple Life

by Paula EdelsteinGive Me the Simple Life is a 12-track program that clearly sets Sara Lazarus apart from the river of young jazz ingénues currently flooding the American music market. The Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition Jazz Vocals winner makes her debut on the Dreyfus Jazz label accompanied by her core trio of Alain Jean-Marie on piano, Gilles Naturel on bass, and Andrea Michelutti on drums. In addition, Bireli Lagrene and Winard Harper make guest appearances. The theme itself is about love -- love lost, love gained, love tried, and deceived. With Lazarus at the helm, the arrangements allow her to flex enough vocal muscle and melodic presence to assure her listeners that she is no fluke. Whether melancholy and sorrowful as heard on "He Was Too Good to Me," or upbeat and happy as heard on "Give Me the Simple Life," Lazarus has a solid foundation and understanding of phrasing, tempo, and the emotional presence to put forth her feelings in an interesting, convincing approach.