Jazz Weekly reviews Distant Song

Rich toned vocalist Fred Farell comes up with the creative idea of mixing voice to the songbook of post-bop legend Dave Liebman. The trio of Farell with Liebman, along with Liebman’s long time associate Richie Beirach/p is both an intimate and poetic affair.

There are a couple instrumentals, as Liebman’s soprano longs with Beirach on “Forgotten Fantasies” and floats on the puffy “Zal.” Otherwise, Farell has an Elling-like flexibility on “Broken Wing” and does some stark work during “Leaving.” A languid “Places” and dreamy “Lonnie’s Song” is a triad of creative shadows, while with Liebman’s tenor, “Tomorrow’s Expectations” is a yearning delight. Lots of space for you to insert your own thoughts and take in the lyrics, mood and atmosphere. A charmer.

View the review here.