Jazz Passengers Albums (6)
What The Critics Say
Artists ranging from Chaka Khan, Natalie Cole and Teena Marie to Sting have demonstrated that certain rock and R&B stars can successfully handle jazz-oriented or jazz-influenced situations if given the chance. Similarly, Deborah Harry made a radical departure from the type of pop-rock she was known for when, in the mid-'90s, she became the lead singer for an avant-garde jazz outfit known as the Jazz Passengers. Recorded live at Spain's Victoria Jazz Festival in 1997, this CD proves that the former lead singer of Blondie was definitely up for the challenge. In fact, Harry sounds quite inspired on such abstract inside/outside offerings as "Maybe I'm Lost," "Lady Butter" and "Samba Uber Alles." It's important to stress that as angular, quirky and cerebral as much of this music is, the band is actually very musical. Even at their most daring, Harry and fellow Passengers Roy Nathanson (alto, tenor and soprano sax), Rob Thomas (violin) and Curtis Hasselbring (trombone) remind us how focused avant-garde jazz can be. For Harry, making the transition from "In the Sun" and "Hanging on the Telephone" to the Passengers is comparable to an actress who'd made her mark in romantic comedies getting into film noir, or basketball icon Michael Jordan trying his hand at baseball. But while Jordan realized that he wasn't much of a baseball player, Harry makes an impressive and convincing jazz singer. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
'Individually Twisted'
Release Date 10/1/1996
Tracks 12
Label 32 Jazz
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What The Critics Say
On Individually Twisted, Deborah Harry became the Jazz Passengers' lead vocalist, and she acquits herself well, helping to turn the album into a thoroughly enjoyable, jazzy hipster pastiche. Elvis Costello also appears on two tracks, including a fun duet with Harry on "Doncha Go 'Way Mad." ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Jazz Passengers are a group of highly talented and imaginative downtown musicians and composers whose collective mission is to meld elements of lounge music and torch song with their own witty, avant-garde style. The idea of In Love's mouth-watering roster of guest singers (including jazzers Jimmy Scott and Bob Dorough, rockers Jeff Buckley and Freedy Johnston, soul sisters Mavis Staples and DK Dyson) interpreting a set of original songs is reason enough for high expectations. Unfortunately, there is something off-puttingly dry, pedantic, and hipper-than-thou about the album. None of the vocalists find much chemistry with the band (the most notable exception is Deborah Harry, who would go on to helm their superior follow-up, Individually Twisted). Moreover, the tunes tend to the shrill and herky-jerky and the lyrics rely more on quirkiness and irony than on sincerity or insight (though Dorough's trademark wordplay does build to an intoxicating climax). Surprisingly, veteran producer Hal Willner comes up with an antiseptic mix that only exacerbates the flaws. The problem with Jazz Passengers in Love is the chronic problem of its genre: artists privileging the head at the expense of the heart and hips. ~ Daniel Browne, All Music Guide
'Plain Old Joe'
Release Date 1/1/1993
Tracks 8
Label Knitting Factory
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What The Critics Say
The Jazz Passengers (which is comprised of Roy Nathanson on alto, tenor and soprano, trombonist Curtis Fowlkes, violinist Jim Nolet who doubles on guitar, vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Brad Jones and drummer E.J. Rodriguez) is an eccentric group with a nutty sense of humor. On this somewhat odd CD the Jazz Passengers use a great deal of bizarre humor along with interesting combinations of instruments, references to earlier eras of jazz, spoken interludes, vocals by would-be crooner Curtis Fowlkes, noisy sound explorations and some swinging solos. Their version of "If I Were a Bell" is quite silly and "Inzane" lives up to its title. Not everything works but Plain Old Joe is certainly not run-of-the-mill music or forgettable. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Implement Yourself'
Release Date 1/1/1990
Tracks 10
Label New World Records
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What The Critics Say
Arguably the best group to emerge on the new music/avant-garde scene in many years, Roy Nathanson's Jazz Passengers suffer from both audience ignorance about their talents and meager album distribution due to being on a small label. But they make fine, constantly changing music that's reminiscent of The Art Ensemble in its early days. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The Jazz Passengers blend collective improvisation, outside arrangements, free playing, and cohesive intragroup interplay better than most hard bop and mainstream jazz groups. They also include other non-jazz elements in their music, from funk to rock and blues. This melange of styles and idioms was on display throughout the 1991 concert captured on this CD. Whether it was the African/Arabic flavor of "Jazz Passengers in Egypt Overture" or the offbeat pace of "Prozak" and "Tikkun," the Passengers don't content themselves with merely executing chord changes and ripping out solos. They take their followers on trips that seldom proceed smoothly but always result in rewarding experiences. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
