Multiculturalism can be a fraught idea in music. Best case, you get a rich cultural exploration that respects and enriches each tradition it touches on. Worst case, we're talking Celine Dion does calypso.
Fortunately, Oakland vocalist Kristina Smith (who generally goes by her first name) lands solidly on the former end with her debut CD, "Offshore Echoes."
A gifted singer with a rich, supple tone that lends itself to any number of formats, Kristina brings captivating phrasing and a playful verbal sense to an eclectic mix of tunes that touch on styles ranging from salsa to reggae.
Highlights include Sting's "Tea in the Sahara," done as a a more-or-less straightahead jazz tune and enriched by a sparkling piano solo. Charlie Parker's "Cherokee" is effectively converted to a brisk salsa number, while Chick Corea's "Open Your Eyes You Can Fly" morphs into a sinuous mambo. The reggae-lite stylings behind Simon & Garfunkel's "59th St. Bridge Song (Feeling Groovy)" seem tepid compared with the rest of the record, yet Kristina's playful vocalizing makes it work.
The singer is backed by a number of A-list instrumental talents from the Bay Area, including trombonist/arranger/producer Wayne Wallace, percussion prince John Santos and pianist Frank Martin.
All-in-all, it's an impressive debut from an artist well worth keeping an eye on.
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