Detroit native
Tahara has an expressive, classically trained voice, but it lacks swing and daring. She's joined here by electric and acoustic pianist
Geri Allen, Detroit bassist
Ralphe Armstrong, drummer
Lenny White, saxophonist
Antoine Roney, and his brother, trumpeter
Wallace Roney.
Tahara wrote two pieces -- "Give All Your Love" and the title track -- but both of these tend to be a little tedious. Her lyrics to
Wayne Shorter's "Footprints" and
Herbie Hancock's "Butterfly" show promise and inventiveness, but unfortunately the music bogs down amid indecisive, schizoid rhythms.
Tahara's classical upbringing comes through on the operatic "L'Altra Notte in Fondo Al Mare," from the opera Mefistofele. The
Bonnie Raitt pop tune "I Ain't Gonna Let You Break My Heart Again" and "You Are My Sunshine" sound nearly resentful, though "Sunshine" has a nice rubato piano intro. Despite clearly possessing the chops,
Tahara is still a long way from becoming a premier jazz singer. An experienced tutor would likely help. ~ Michael G. Nastos