Carmel
The voice of an angel, supported by an able and crafty pianist is what you will get when listening to Intertwined, joined on tracks “Beautiful Love,” and “Autumn Leaves,” by saxophonist Jamie Oehlers, the trio, which is mostly a duo, have created a deliciously engaging offering.
Why is it special you ask? This answer is found in Wertz voice, she has a pure and crystalline tone, each word is given meaning. As a listener, I found myself constantly being entranced by her voice. Unlike many of her contemporaries there is truth in her voice, it’s not prattled with theatrics, or acrobatics, hers is a voice that just speaks through beauty, as if each word is like honey dripping from her lips. Many of the vocalists that are so long lasting in our minds, exhibit these same qualities, it is their ability to honestly convey the lyric that is so appealing. Though young in age, Wertz is matured in her delivery, rounded in her ideas, and savory in her lines.
Fine examples of this are exhibited on tunes like “Beautiful Love,” opened by saxophonist Jamie Oehlers, whose tone is refined and unaffected. Augmented by pianist Tal Cohen, the three work through the nuances of the tune, with hits and accents that embellish the lyric with interest. Wertz uses her voice as a vehicle that conveys the lyric, but also as a unified instrument contributing to the overall success of the track.
The title track “Intertwined,” is a wordless melody that Wertz works with the dynamics of her voice, just as a horn in a duo setting. She opens and closes her voice and uses swells to create useful texture changes, passages and solo lines with pianist Tal Cohen, which I might add are very effective. The two meld as a perfect instrument of song. Many times, with duo recordings, you find yourself noticing the spaces a bit too much. Cohen’s colorizations support and add interest and Wertz interacts with seamless resolve.
A bit father into the program we stop at “Manhattan in the Rain,” a moody reflective piece written by Duncan Lamont. Wertz’ delicate treatment is convincing, while Cohen creates a canvas of beautiful flowing lines, almost like a windy day with raining streams. You can hear the smile and joy in Wertz voice as the blossom of love, is in the air.
Overall, Intertwined is a delightful intertwining of what is best about young artists. Untarnished by the politics of music, what is brought forth is pure, innocent and simply beautiful. The promise of the moment, and being able to be free enough to live it, in the moment. This is a lasting work for a debut offering, and certainly it makes sense why Wertz was semi-finalists in the 2015 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocals Competition. She certainly has won me over.