There are so many names given to music that crosses over to or from jazz into more pop-oriented categories, like pop itself, rock, R&B… It has been called crossover, urban, smooth jazz, and quite a few other names.
Very often, it is music that is market-oriented, targeting a certain audience, depending on its taste, and is rarely done by musicians of lesser skill.
Where the distinction lies is where the musicians themselves add some substance to the music, that goes beyond their instrumental or vocal skill, showing also some flair, sophistication, and inventiveness.
Add to the latter list New York guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Dida Pelled and her latest album Love Of The Tiger.
Here, Pelled, who initially made a name for herself playing with the likes of Roy Hargrove and Gregory Hutchinson uses all she knows about jazz to cross over, well, almost everywhere – from cool, summery Bossa Nova, to hip-hop, oriental sounds, and yes, pop.
Yet, throughout an album that should spell just musical meandering, Pelled shows precisely the elements that make her music more than just pleasant sounds – flair, sophistication, and inventiveness. Instrumental and vocal skills included, of course.
Add to this Pelled’s production of the album and her meticulousness, as she had countless false starts making sure that the album presents all the best elements of her music. And it certainly does.
