The Jesse Palter Quartet

In case you haven't noticed, there's an alarming new trend in jazz — namely, a proliferation of hot young women trying to pass off watered-down folksy pop as jazz. Unlike these divas, vocalist Jesse Palter is more of a traditionalist. The award-winning, Detroit-bred chanteuse and her band take a more...

By Shawn Bauer

July 26, 2007

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In case you haven't noticed, there's an alarming new trend in jazz — namely, a proliferation of hot young women trying to pass off watered-down folksy pop as jazz. Unlike these divas, vocalist Jesse Palter is more of a traditionalist. The award-winning, Detroit-bred chanteuse and her band take a more straightforward approach to jazz, which means there are no freaking bongos or inbred steel guitars muddying the mix — just piano, bass, drums and, of course, Palter's robust, soulful vocals. All too often, female jazz vocalists mimic their idols and end up doing a terrible disservice with what amounts to pale imitation. But Palter's smoky alto offers beautiful clarity, delivered with the skillful precision of a seasoned improviser. Tearing up solos that would make Ella grin, Palter can hold her own with just about any sax player. The 21-year-old phenom hits Dazzle following a stint at the Jazz Aspen Academy Summer Sessions.

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