Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY) Artist Series presents Lela Kaplowitz in Review
Lela Kaplowitz, jazz vocalist
Joe Kaplowitz, piano; Lucia Kaplowitz, violin; Mat Muntz, double bass; Gary Fritz, percussion
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
September 19, 2019
Croatian-born jazz singer/songwriter Lela Kaplowitz gave a largely entertaining, always sincere, concert on Thursday night. It was essentially a live performance of her latest CD, titled To One. She was backed by a four-piece ensemble that included her husband Joe Kaplowitz (an excellent jazz pianist), daughter Lucia Kaplowitz(violin, and vocal and beatbox contributions), and two other fine musicians, double bassist Mat Muntz, and percussionist Gary Fritz.
For my taste, in this idiom, the vocals could have used a microphone, for Ms. Kaplowitz threatened to be swallowed up by her small backup team. A CD can be engineered so that these issues go away, but a live performance has its own rules.
That being said, I wish I could convince my classical singers to have the physical freedom Ms. Kaplowitz exhibited, as well as her joyful charisma. This made her message, a sort of “new-age” jazz effusion, much more compelling.
The lyrics were somewhat cliché, although the universality of them could not be gainsaid. Ms. Kaplowitz wishes to create a musical experience that will be elevating for all listeners, with music as a positive, vibrating force. I agree with the thesis, but I did not find the comparisons with the “great singer-songwriter era of the 1970s” as stated in her manifesto. No matter, she absolutely portrayed her own personal vitality with her engaging stage presence.
Seven of the selections were arranged to coordinate with the seven chakras, or spiritual energy centers of the body, according to ancient Hindu texts. They contain healing energy and can be unblocked for greater vitality in life.
Clearly, Ms. Kaplowitz believes in this life force, and her personal radiance went a long way toward redeeming the sameness of some of the material. She also generously gave solos to each member of her ensemble, all of whom were wonderful.
I would like to hear Ms. Kaplowitz again in covers of more standard jazz perhaps from the American songbook, or Croatian songbook. Now that would be something unusual!
