At a time when so many singers and accompanists play it safe, it’s refreshing to hear vocalist Sara Serpa and pianist Ran Blake do something different—maybe even risky—with the standard jazz song repertoire. Their second album together, Aurora (November 1st 2012, Clean Feed), gives listeners a deeper and more intimate view of one of the most remarkable partnerships in jazz. Recorded live in concert at Lisbon’s Auditório da Culturgest and at private session at the theater the day before, the music covers a wide range. Some of it humorous, at other times it is imbued with a sense of tragedy or tender romance, but at all times it is daring. It’s little wonder that All About Jazz critic Ken Dryden said of their debut release Camera Obscura (Inner Circle) “the magical blend of Blake’s piano with Serpa’s voice proves captivating.”
The musical relationship between Blake and Serpa, which began as mentor and student when Serpa attended Boston’s New England Conservatory, has deepened. “I feel I am a bit more mature,” Serpa says. “The first album was much more experimental for me, since I didn’t know what would it sound like. This second album is almost like a rebirth of the duo, now much more assured of its identity. I feel Ran and I are more comfortable playing with each... morecredits
released November 20, 2012
Ran Blake, piano
Sara Serpa, vocals
Design – Travassos
Executive-Producer – Trem Azul
Photography By – Vera Marmelo
Producer – Ran Blake, Sara Serpa
Recorded By, Mixed By, Mastered By – Luís Delgado
Recorded at Auditório da Culturgest, Lisboa, on May 10th and 11th, 2012