Sarah Reich, New Change Review
Tap artist Sarah Reich known for her work with Scott Bradlee’s Post Modern Juke Box has put forth her own effort titles New Change. Reich comes from a well-documented background in the art of tap dancing. At 15 she was featured in Dance Spirit Magazine’s article, “20 Hot Tappers Under 20” and was named one of the “25 To Watch” in the 2017 Dance Magazine article. To date Reich has performed, choreographed or taught in over 40 countries. With the release of New Change, it is Reich’s intent to bring forth an age-old tradition of jazz and tap, but with an updated sound and exuberance that reflects modern times. That’s the short of it!
Positives:
Reich is masterful in her performances, her lightning fast feet are not merely about speed, but also about musicality. You can hear the melody ring in her solo’s just like that of her counterparts on their instruments of choice. What Reich is doing is revolutionizing the jazz locution by opening it up to a percussive sound created by the human body, and that is exactly the sound. Close your eyes and you find yourself understanding her role in the music as a soloist and percussionist.
Bottom Line:
New Change is absolutely about recasting the role of tap in the jazz fabric. Reich is certainly the right spokesperson to do it, her musicianship within the grooves of these tunes is galvanizing. She connects the history of her artform, with the creativity and improvisation of jazz for a winning sound. Its time to cough up your spare change, for a New Change.