I Walk Alone

Collection Contents

#		Title	Length
1		Small Day Tomorrow	6:08	Play
2		If I Should Lose You	4:14	Play
3		The Absence of Light	5:09	Play
4		I Walk Alone	3:55	Play
5		Chair Song	3:35	Play
6		My Foolish Heart	5:15	Play
7		Don't Misunderstand Me	2:25	Play
8		Illusions	4:44	Play
9		Uncertainty	5:02	Play
10		Don't Blame Me	4:24	Play
11		Get Out of Town (free Jazz Afrocuban Freakout)	5:42	Play
12		While We're Young	4:50	Play

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Description

Ellynne Plotnick is a jazz vocalist and songwriter based in Connecticut. She has been cultivating fans in New York City clubs and restaurants who are drawn to the intimacy and coolness of her sound and her emotional delivery. Joining her on this album are pianist/collaborator Dan Furman, bassist Tom Pietrycha, and percussionist/drummer Yujiro Nakamura.

I Walk Alone is a real mixed bag of originals and standards, recorded live at the Triad Theater and in the studios of LoFish Productions in Manhattan. Ellynne's album is personal, quirky, and unique. The original compositions are unusual, with lyrics that are at times striking and poetic. The concept was to record a CD both live and in the studio that remained relatively organic and pristine. The combination of songs, grooves, and the minimalistic coolness of the vocals make for an engaging listen. It's an understated recording with a strong undercurrent of feeling throughout driving the songs.

This is true in the composition "The Absence of Light," (co-written with pianist Dan Furman). In this song all seems somber and in utter blackness. The minor tonality and the Arco bass set the mood. Yet even in the darkest corner of despair the singer states: "...The sun always shines somewhere..." There is a glimmer of hope expressed in the notion that the sun shines somewhere in the world even during the darkest moments. It's about hanging on during bleak times. Better days are ahead.

The title song "I Walk Alone," (also co-written by Dan Furman), is a poem set to music. Just piano and voice, the song blends Latin, classical, and pop influences. Walking Alone is a metaphor for being independent and strong. It's about observing from the outside. It's about making sound judgments and maintaining a clear focus amidst chaos. It's better to walk alone in truth than to compromise values. It's about being able to think for yourself in a world of mindless conformity.

"Chair Song," (co-written by Dan Furman and recorded live at the Triad), is an upbeat quirky homage to the midcentury modern chair. It waxes rhapsodic over chairs of great design. It celebrates and pays tribute to the designs of Eames, Aalto, Breuer, etc. It's a very very fun and happy song.

"Don't Misunderstand Me" was written originally as a slow ballad.

"Illusions" is about the feelings we have when we stay with what is comfortable instead of moving into the unfamiliar and letting go. It's about being held down by the dead-weight of the past that we haven't the power to leave.

"Uncertainty" is what we feel when we finally summon the courage to leave the past and move forward into the unknown.

The standards on this disc are heart-felt and emotional. Notes on a few:

In "If I Should Lose You" the verse has been slightly altered for emphasis. The tempo is a bit faster than normal, but otherwise is rather standard.

"Get Out of Town" (recorded live) is a rather unorthodox interpretation of the tune, to say the least. The tune takes a road trip into some strange freaky regions before returning back home to the melody. The tone of this rendition of the Cole Porter standard is angry, though, not coquettish. It's not a coy plea said in gest to an unsuitable lover. Instead, it's a command to an unfaithful lover to get out of dodge, and quickly, or else...

"While We're Young" is the perfect closer. It's in contrast to the other songs on the disc. The verse recollects the simple beauty and innocence of childhood.

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"Vocal albums aren't a dime a dozen anymore. It's a shame for sure but when one comes along you know to hold on to it dearly. Smoky melancholic tales that just drip from her mouth with an efficacy that's unparalleled. Absolutely astonishing."
J-Sin/Smother Magazine - Editor's Pick

"Plotnick's clear articulation, soulful phrasing, and heart-felt lyrics are the cornerstone of this successful project."
Carmel DeSoto, JazzPolice

"This intimately rendered jazz vocal affair would seem to fare rather well at an upscale New York City hotel lounge...Ellynne and her quartet mix it up rather nicely with a blend of standards and originals. She uses wonderful diction to complement her silky vocal chords and acute dynamic sense... She works the crowd with her witty lyricism, upbeat vibe, and joyous overtones. Plotnick's style and delivery loom as a high point."
Glenn Astarita, All About Jazz

"Plotnick's voice is welcoming both live and in the studio...This is an exciting session highlighted by The Absence of Light, the bouncy I Walk Alone, and the funky Get Out of Town. Top shelf!"
D. Oscar Groomes, O's Notes 4/4 stars

"This small, low-key combo make the album a cozy, intimate affair. It also allows for plenty of room to experiment...I Walk Alone has more than the typical well-traveled standards. It is recommended for listeners looking for something new and different."
Donna Kimura, Jazzreview.com

New and Notable
Paul Blair, Hot House


Ellynne Plotnick sings with a great alto voice through a half dozen standards here, as well as that many more of her own clever compositions. In concept, Plotnick brings to mind Bob Dorough and Dave Frishberg, though she fields a much more attractive voice with broader range than they do. The recording ends on a particularly poignant note, as he covers wonderfully the too little used Alec Wilder tune, "While We're Young." This is a strong recording by a fine new singer with both talent and taste.
Phillip McNally, Cadence Magazine

Plotnick has a jazz standard voice but her greatest talent seems to be in writing and arranging music. With pianist Dan Furman, as well as in her own right, Plotnick creates melodies that catch you and are complemented with strong lyric writing. They have something of the standards of the past but carry a contemporary feel... A fine addition to anyone's CD collection.
Sue Bullas, Live Music Report

I Walk Alone presents her pleasing vocal style with a wider variety that showcases her warm and sensitive approach with a tongue-in-cheek, almost beatnik vibe on tunes such as the original composition, "Chair Song."...The more I listened to this disc, the more I enjoyed it. I found it to be fun, quirky, and a very worthwhile presentation of what Ellynne can really do and I'm looking forward to hearing more.
Mark Amentt, Jazz Improv NY

The delivery comes out reminiscent of the great disaffected singers and songs, normally related to a broken heart. Here, it's applied to happiness and loneliness alike...The tone of her voice is excellent...There is a reverence for the old bop masters and Plotnick proves that she has some fine skills here.
Adam Greenberg, AllMusic Guide (AMG)