LA vocalist Mark Christian Miller recently published his fourth album as a bandleader entitled Strange Meadowlark. Mark has put together a wonderful collection of jazz standards and lesser-known gems, applying his own interpretations and unique phrasing to each selection. The material ranges from familiar standards by Irving Berlin and Hoagy Carmichael to compositions by Oscar Brown Jr., Dave Brubeck, Henry Mancini, and Ned Rorem, giving the project both variety and depth.
Mark finishes this musical creation by bringing together a group of seasoned players who are all at the top of their musical games. The rhythm section is as good as it gets, with Joe LaBarbera on drums and Chuck Berghofer on bass. Seasoned pro Chris Dawson performs beautifully on piano, while Robert Kyle brings his lush tenor saxophone and flute playing to complete the rich musical landscape heard throughout the CD. The always wonderful Josh Nelson makes a special guest appearance, arranging and performing on “Early In The Morning,” and his contribution adds another dimension to an already outstanding recording.
Mark Christian Miller is a member of a relatively small group of jazz vocalists who have the ability to bring lyrics to life through their musical storytelling skills. Mark's voice is always warm and expressive, beautifully completing the musical picture he paints with his vocalizing. One of the qualities I most admire is his ability to communicate the meaning of a song without ever sounding forced or theatrical. Every lyric feels natural, honest, and believable.
The songs on Strange Meadowlark are a beautifully balanced mixture of swing tunes and ballads that allow Mark to showcase all of his vocal skills. Whether swinging effortlessly through up-tempo material or delivering a tender ballad, he remains completely connected to the story of the song. His phrasing is relaxed and conversational, yet always deeply musical.
I especially enjoyed his medley that combines Dave and Iola Brubeck’s “Strange Meadowlark” with Mercer and Carmichael’s “Skylark.” The pairing works beautifully, creating one of the most memorable performances on the album and demonstrating both Mark’s creativity and his ability to uncover fresh emotional meaning in familiar material. The result is one of the highlights of the recording.
I have attached a download of this song for your listening enjoyment. I have also attached Oscar Brown Jr.’s composition, “Mr. Kicks,” on which Robert Kyle gets to demonstrate why he is one of the most in-demand reed players on the music scene today. His tenor work on this track is exceptional and provides one of the album's strongest instrumental moments.
The album closes with the touching ballad “Sometimes,” where Mark accompanies himself on piano. It is a fitting conclusion to a recording that consistently places the song and the lyric above everything else.
This CD is a musical gift for any jazz vocal fan and could easily be used by any up-and-coming young vocalist as an instructional guide. Strange Meadowlark is a reminder that great jazz singing is not about vocal gymnastics—it is about communication, interpretation, and telling a story. Mark Christian Miller succeeds on all counts, making this one of the more enjoyable vocal releases of the year.
Playlist
- Mr. Kicks
- You Make Me Feel So Young
- Strange Meadowlark/Skylark
- Hello Love
- Dream
- I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
- Early In The Morning
- I'll See You In My Dreams
- Sometimes
Personnel
Mark Christian Miller – Vocals
Chris Dawson – Piano
Chuck Berghofer – Bass
Joe LaBarbera – Drums
Robert Kyle – Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Arrangements
Josh Nelson – Piano, Arranger (Special Guest on “Early In The Morning”)
“Mr Kicks"
