Have you ever wanted to travel back in time and relive a musical era? Then Sasha’s Bloc can (figuratively) make that happen with Heart On Fire, a stunning recording that brings the big band sound of the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s to this day and age for your listening enjoyment.
The Los Angeles-based nonet has developed quite a following since its formation in 2012, not surprising when you hear their material. The brainchild of Russian-born bassist and composer Alex Gershman, Sasha’s Bloc is comprised of musicians of varied nationalities and experiences with one common goal: to capture the spirit and energy of the rich musical genres from the early 20th century that resulted in what is known today as modern jazz.
I must say that they succeed – not by performing their own arrangements of well-known standards – but rather, by infusing original compositions with the classic vibe of those decades. From the moment Heart On Fire starts playing until the very end, you have to keep reminding yourself that you’re not in a club, speakeasy or dance hall watching these performances, even though that’s exactly how you’ll feel when listening to the album.
The opening track, “Lonely Day In Paris,” conjures up Ol’ Blue Eyes himself thanks to the brilliant vocal stylings of Patrick Tuzzolino. Gershman intended it to be a dedication to Frank Sinatra’s musical feel, and Tuzzolino fulfilled his vision in spades. Next comes “Feels Like Jazz,” a hypnotizing and seductive cabaret throwback performed by the brilliant Jane Monheit. Her voice is pure magic, calling to mind old Hollywood glamour and an age when entertainers didn’t need the visual distractions that today’s artists do in order to mesmerize audiences. “Anything Is Possible” is a Dixieland-style, New Orleans brass song with a faster tempo and the standard sounds of banjo, clarinet and tuba that accompany this genre. Then there’s “Black and Blue,” a soulful ballad written for a musical that Gershman is developing.
“Breakfast” is definitely a CD highlight, a feel-good tune with a positive and uplifting message wonderfully executed by Monheit, Princess Fortier, Glynis Leflore and Octavia Pace. (Swing and boogie-woogie fans will notice that the latter three vocalists’ harmonies channel The Andrews Sisters and similar singing groups that were all the rage back then.) “Take A Chance” features Sasha’s Bloc’s own Nora Rothman who’s a very impressive scatter, not to mention compelling singer. The album’s title track, “Heart On Fire,” is a romantic ballad reminiscent of The Great White Way. Then follows “Angel,” one of my personal favorites, a sassy number driven by Tuzzolino’s raspy and VERY desirable vocals.
“The Duke” is the only instrumental track written as a tribute to the legendary Duke Ellington. Next up is “Sunday Blues,” which harkens back to the classic jazz blues of the 1930s, complete with banjo, horns, great piano and Monheit’s stellar vocals which add so many layers of complexity to the lively beat. The album closes with “Manhattan,” a song inspired by the great city, capped off by the flawless harmonies of Fortier, Leflore and Pace.
What I really loved about this recording is that it recalls the spirit and vibe of that big and boisterous musical period without all the sappy sentimental exhibitionism. The musicians and artists are really passionate about the material, which in turn makes the album soar. I wish there was more I could say to do it justice, but for now I’ll just urge you to listen to it for yourself.
For more information on Heart On Fire, please visit the band’s website or follow Sasha’s Bloc on Facebook and Twitter.