EQ is a rather intriguing set. On the one hand, the vocals of
Melody Diachun, the occasional cover tunes, and the recent originals by the singer mostly fall into the area of folk/pop.
Diachun has a warm and expressive voice, her long notes are wonderful and she is expert at placing notes. She sounds like she could definitely sing jazz although that is not called for by the songs. On the other hand, the instrumental quartet is obviously a jazz group.
Cory Weeds, the owner of both the Vancouver's Cellar Restaurant and the Cellar Live label, is a very good saxophonist. Although better known as an altoist and a tenor saxophonist, he plays very effective soprano throughout this set. While the Fender Rhodes that Tilden Webb utilizes cannot help recalling the '70s, he is a fine jazz player while Doug Stephenson (heard on electric bass) and drummer Dan Gaucher are excellent in support. The weak point to the program is the repertoire, for few of the numbers are at all memorable. A lot of talent is heard on EQ and this date is worth acquiring for the individual voices, but it falls short of being essential. ~ Scott Yanow