Melanie Scholtz and Jo Skaansar Release “Kindred” EP
South African singer Melanie Scholtz and Norwegian jazz bassist Jo Skaansar have teamed up for a beautiful duo album entitled Kindred. The intimate offering truly is an international affair that includes music from the Great American Songbook as well as songs from South Africa, Europe, and Argentina.
The pair begin with a cool arrangement of “I’m Old Fashioned” that alternates between 5/4 and 4/4. Skaansar’s bass perfectly supports Scholtz’s vocals while offering his own counter melodies, rising and falling with her and even doubling some lines. “Danny Boy” and “Throw It Away” bring a more sentimental mood before a spirited rendition of “You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To”.
The album wraps up with a fantastic South African piece called “Yakhal’ Inkomo” that has Skaansar holding down an African groove that is broken up with some walking bass. He also takes a playful solo on the electric bass. Check it out here:
Kindred is available now on Bandcamp, iTunes, and Amazon MP3.
Kindred Track List:
- I’m Old Fashioned
- Danny Boy
- Throw It Away
- You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To
- J’oublie
- Yakhal’ Inkomo
