Last night I went to see a Susie Arioli Band show. I had bought ticketes for my mom’s birthday coming uo next week and decided to treat myself as well.

I had heard two of their three albums, so I was familiar with their sound. Before the show, I was a little anxious about the kind of presence they would have on stage. The band consists of Susie Arioli on the lead vocal and snare drum, a lead guitar and a double bass. Later on they brought two guests on stage, a trumpet player and saxophone player.

Without the wind instruments, the band sound kind of empty. Not to say that it is not possible to have a jazz trio having a full sound. For instance, John Pizzarelli with his trio can do it very well. But here, Susie Arioli Band sounded a little weak.

Susie Arioli’s voice on the other is a gift from the Gods of music! Velvet comes to mind as a comparative. The songs they perform were clearly chosen to fit her beautiful voice. Though there were too many balads for my opersonal tatse, some of the most rythmic material was excellent. Especially It’s a Good Day, not that was something of a surprise!

Overall, it was a fine show, but not one of my favorites. I suppose I like more rythm in my music.

But my mom loved it, that’ what’s important! It was for her after all.

Gog