Long renowned as the pioneer of the Queens, NY jazz scene who founded both the Astoria Jazz Band and Astoria Big Band (going strong now for 33 years), Carol Sudhalter marks two creative firsts on Live at Saint Peter’s Church, a picture perfect date at the Lexington Avenue sanctuary with her remarkable ensemble of Patrick Paladian (piano), Kevin Hailey (upright bass) and Mike Campenni (drums).
It’s her first recording ever featuring her on baritone sax and flute with no tenor supplement. Focusing on the two instruments here allows her to hit emotional highs and lows perfectly.
She plumbs the depth of her horn’s soul while swinging on the opener “On a Misty Night” and “Funk in Deep Freeze,” and uses her dreamy, wistful flute to help us penetrate the haunted heart of Benny Golson’s “Park Avenue Petite” and find lightheartedness amidst the bluesy seduction of “Colin Blues.” This latter track also finds Sudhalter making her vocal debut on record, singing spirited lyrics about one of her students.