2007

On The Other Side

Tierney Sutton Band

The Tierney Sutton Band’s most focused statement yet, On The Other Side is a bold recording full of mystery, darkness and a tentative reemergence from the shadows. The thirteen-track set begins and ends with the same two classic songs, ‘Get Happy’ and ‘Happy Days Are Here Again.’ Recorded on the legendary Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Their sixth Telarc release also features the outstanding work of trumpeter/vocalist Jack Sheldon on two tracks.

On the Other Side is an album of happy songs–“Get Happy,” “Make Someone Happy,” “Happy Talk,” etc.–but isn’t always so chipper in contemplating life and love. Indeed, it’s difficult to imagine Tierney Sutton, one of whose calling cards as a jazz singer is her intensity, letting herself go–consider the inclusion of “Haunted Heart” at the middle of the album as a reflection of that. But in the cozy embrace of her working band, including the fine pianist Christian Jacob and two bassists, Sutton excels at exploring different shades of feeling, boosted by a guest turn by the ebullient veteran trumpeter and singer Jack Sheldon. Her somber dark tones, are offset by a lilting catch in her voice. Ultimately this is a contemplation happiness, but more so the pursuit thereof.