reprint of my article which first appeared in Smooth Jazz Magazine
On January 28, pianist Helen Sung will release her new CD Anthem for a Day. This would be Helen's sixth album and one listen to the CD it is clear that she has matured as an artist. Helen, who started her career as a classical music artist has made a seamless transition into the jazz arena and this CD can well be listed as one of her best yet.
On Anthem for A New Day there is something for everyone. "Brother Thelonius" is a straight-ahead and vibrant single which makes way for the fiesty and engaging "Armando's Rhumba," once popularized by Chick Corea.
There is the calming "Hidden" and it is on peaceful and melodic tracks like these that Helen and her instrument tend to shine. "Hope Springs Eternally," "Anthem for a New Day" and "Never Let Me Go" are tracks that move with sophistication and romance.
Listen to the unique and very modern interpretation of the Duke Ellington/Irving Mills "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."
Elsewhere on the CD there is a lot going on with "Chaos Theory" it's a fast-pace single with nifty drumwork that holds it together. Thelonius Monk's Epistrophy" and "Equipoise" help to bring this stellar CD to a close.
On Anthem for A New Day there is something for everyone. "Brother Thelonius" is a straight-ahead and vibrant single which makes way for the fiesty and engaging "Armando's Rhumba," once popularized by Chick Corea.
There is the calming "Hidden" and it is on peaceful and melodic tracks like these that Helen and her instrument tend to shine. "Hope Springs Eternally," "Anthem for a New Day" and "Never Let Me Go" are tracks that move with sophistication and romance.
Listen to the unique and very modern interpretation of the Duke Ellington/Irving Mills "It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."
Elsewhere on the CD there is a lot going on with "Chaos Theory" it's a fast-pace single with nifty drumwork that holds it together. Thelonius Monk's Epistrophy" and "Equipoise" help to bring this stellar CD to a close.
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