Peace of Mind, Outside the Lines
MoCro Productions (2012)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
The thematic premise of Peace of Mind, Outside the Lines, by saxophonist-vocalist Corinthia Cromwell & the Evolution Band, is its presentation of separate gospel and jazz sections. In actuality, the nine-track gospel section is a survey of music styles—from jazz to rock, blues, fusion, and reggae, as well as traditional gospel.
The traditional track, “One More Day” is a fine gospel blues. While it could benefit from more lyrical variety, “One More Day” is satisfying, due largely to Cromwell’s full-bodied vocals. Another phenomenal performance is the traditional “’Tis So Sweet,” an instrumental duet between Cromwell on sax and virtuoso pianist Cyrus Chestnut. In their hands, the song lives up to its title in more ways than one.
Despite the cornucopia of musical flavors that Peace of Mind, Outside the Lines offers, the listener can definitely tell when the gospel section ends and the jazz portion begins. Most of the half dozen jazz tracks are energetic instrumentals that evoke the Rippingtons or latter-day Passport. One notable exception is the classic “Nature Boy,” which once again unites Cromwell and Chestnut on a wistful duet. Their interplay, and especially Chestnut’s playful solo, conclude the jazz segment and is its high point
Corinthia Cromwell & the Evolution Band (formerly known as the Upfront Band), first made noise with their 2002 album Stick It In Ya’ Ear. Since then, they have played live in auditoriums, festivals, and colleges; and on radio, television, and film.
Four of Five Stars
Picks: “One More Day,” “’Tis So Sweet,” “Nature Boy.”
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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Christie,
I’m checking that I found the right person but we just met today at the Y. Thank you for being such a good listener. Let me know where you are playing next, church or any where, I would love to come listen
Scott