Matt Hatt/Edda Glass
Ocean of Birds
Reviewed by: Jane Roser
“If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know.” – Louis Armstrong
Like a quiet, intense conversation on a winter’s night over a frothy cup of hot cocoa, Sante Fe-based duo Max Hatt and Edda Glass’ debut album Ocean of Birds is comforting and enticing. Produced and mixed by Pat Sansone (Wilco, The Autumn Defense) and Josh Shapera (Liam Haynes, The Autumn Defense) with Gar Ragland (Arthur Alligood, Chris Velan), Ocean of Birds was recorded in Asheville, North Carolina at the prestigious Echo Mountain Recording Studio. It features eight songs that showcase Glass’ smoky voice, casting a seductive spell reminiscent of Dinah Washington, Etta James and Billie Holiday.
Tracks like “Wanted” and “Crossing Over” are mesmerizing and create a somber, if not melancholy portrait of a bygone era, while “O Que Sera (A Flor da Pele)” is a hauntingly enchanting version of a song made famous by renowned Brazilian singer-songwriter Chico Buarque forty years ago.
Brimming with soul and steeped with lush, mellow melodies, Ocean of Birds captures a moment in time and releases it in one lovely breath.
Rating: Bad-Ass
