Debra Mann live at Chan's

by Shoshana
The City Beat

I savored each musical moment of Debra Mann's performance and that of her band in a magical tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim, live at Chan's. As I listened, I could not understand why this ensemble was not booked across the nation.

The performances and arrangements and solos were innovative and fresh. Debra is an accomplished and polished pianist. She knows her material and did not miss a lick, literally. Her vocal timbre is interwoven with silk and velvet, always melodic, able to whisper and cry without losing lyricism.

In fact, her band is the epitome of an ensemble: a sensual tapestry featuring Jack Menna on drums (whom I had the privilege to sit adjacent to) - smiling, eyes closed, enjoying every moment with the audience. As the night storm raged outside, Mr. Billy Novick's clarinet in particular mesmerized me while Marty Ballou's acoustic bass expertise fascinated me.

For me, music has to be a journey through the mind, the body and the spirit, or I am not interested (I am fussy). Debra's arrangement of 'Someone to Light Up My Life' and the haunting 'Luiza' (sung in Portuguese) were outstanding and just two of favorite moments. I hope that she puts these on her next CD. Jobim would be proud of her.

The media, for the most part, exposes use to a music world where mediocrity is the standard. Sex sells entertainment, and the once earned diva title is thrown around carelessly to whomever the 'star' of the day happens to be (yawn). Culture is not a commodity at the moment.

Those of us who hold to higher standards know that Debra has not only earned the title of Diva, but reminds us all what has been forgotten. The actuality of the title 'Diva' divinity: elevating us above the commonplace. An Evening at Chan's with the Debra Mann Quartet took me on that 'journey.' Thank you Debra and company!