Author: DJ Frank

 

Ornig’s “New Ground” is fertile ground for the listener. She is the bassist of this charming contemporary ensemble, and it’s also her debut CD.

She employs horns and vocals in alternating leadership roles to make the sounds flow easily and comfortably.  Meanwhile, her bass keeps everything on course and peaceful.  The vocals are aptly handled by baritone Nunga Babu , sounding like Sinatra at times, and Rebecca Martin, whose very slight rasp adds a magical quality to her delivery.

 

Iris states that her inspiration as a composer (she wrote half the tracks) comes from pictures, colors and scenes that impact her emotions. And, she lists Johnny Cash, Miles Davis, Charlie Haden, Joni Mitchell, and Prince among her influences. So, it’s no wonder that her modern jazz arrangements include elements of soul, blues, swing and bossa nova.

 

 

Track listing:

1) The Very Same Sensation

2) Grateful Friendship

3) Here I Go Again

4) Caravan

5) New Ground

6) Summer

7) Weisst du Wieviel Sternlein Stehen?

8) Let The Lower Lights Be Burning

9) It’s Time To Say Goodbye

10) Chicken Only On Sunday

11) What Is This Thing Called Love

12) Sweet And Lovable

 

About half the tracks are slow lounge/club material, with the other tunes varying from medium to a couple up tempo numbers. I enjoyed them all, but especially liked #s 5, 8, 7, & 12.

 

Iris was born in Lake of Constance, Germany, on the Switzerland border, and studied at St Gallen Switzerland and the Guildhall School of Music in London. She has been a resident of New York since 2003. Ornig has peformed at jazz clubs and festivals throughout the US and Europe, and is known as a charismatic performer.   

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