TANIA GRUBBS QUINTET

THE SOUND OF LOVE

Travelin Music

Tania Grubbs, vocals; David Budway, piano; Jeff Grubbs, bass; Ron Affif, guitar; James Johnson III, drums.

Tania Grubbs has a pleasant warm tone that she spotlights on the very first arrangement where she duets with only drums singing the familiar “But Not For Me” at a swinging pace. Once the band joins the duo, David Budway’s solo on piano puts the “J” into jazz. He is followed by Jeff Grubbs improvising wildly on upright bass.  On the fade of the tune, I hear the influence of Betty Carter during the Grubbs improvisation.

Her second song “Slow Hot Wind” is a beautiful Henry Mancini/Norman Gimbel composition originally recorded by Johnny Hartman in 1964.  The quartet makes it a slow swing tune with a Latin flavor.  Ron Affif delivers a spectacular solo performance on guitar.

Tania Grubbs has a recognizable sound.  That makes her somewhat of a stylist. However, when I listen to her sing, her tone and approach reminds me of a pop singer rather than a jazz vocalist.   This is especially prominent on tunes like the Earl Klugh/Al Jarreau composition “(A Rhyme) This Time.”

Grubbs choses a variety of songs to share with her listening audience.  It was lovely to hear her sing the challenging Charles Mingus tribute to Ellington on “Duke Ellington’s Sound of Love” and Brubeck’s “Strange Meadowlark” tune allows her vocals to dance atop the chord changes like a sweet morning breeze.

This vocalist includes one original tune titled “The Sculptor’s Hands.”  It displays a spiritually based lyric, reminding us that “the Sculpture’s hands have a plan.”  Her quintet is supportive and each is both talented and expressive on their instrument.

Grubbs originally hails from Ohio.  Singing has been her life work.  She and husband/ bassist, Jeff Grubbs, moved to Pittsburgh when he was offered a position with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Tania Grubbs has sung with several symphony orchestras including the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Civic Light Opera, Chamber Music Pittsburgh, and as a member of the Voices of the Boca Pops Orchestra.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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