All photos by Bill O’Brien
What was written about the Caswell Sisters before they performed on the Branford Green gave every indication the audience would be in for a special treat, and that turned out to be true. They opened up the show with “Song of Life.”
From the BranfordJazz.com website, “The riveting performances of the Caswell Sisters, vocalist Rachel and violinist Sara are the culmination of working together. Their seamless sound combined with their unique interpretation of repertoire ranging from ‘The Great American Songbook’ to contemporary jazz, including their own compositions, is propelled by arresting improvisation.”
Committee member Dr. Joe Cardinale served as master of ceremonies for the night.
The crowd relaxes when the music begins.
Good friends enjoy a nice dinner on the green.
Old standards such as “Sweet Lorraine” and “Bye, Bye Blackbird” were both hits when they were written years ago, and they were hits on Thursday when performed by the quintet. Many in the audience applauded when Sara Caswell introduced them.
Rachel and Sara were accompanied by…
Glenn Zaleski, piano, and Matt Aronoff, bass (left)…
and Michael W. Davis drums (above).
The Caswell Sisters’ debut album, “Alive in the Singing Air,” was released in 2013 to rave reviews and was selected by jazz critic Thomas Cunniffe as one of the “Best Vocal CDs” on Jazz History Online.
These young ladies enjoy each other’s company.
The group performed five of the songs from that album Thursday including “Sweet Lorraine” and “Bye, Bye Blackbird,” as mentioned above. In addition, they performed “Song of Life,” their opening number, along with “Asiatic Raes” and “Poinciana.”
They take a bow after completing one of their songs
Rachel takes the lead singing the song “Fragile.” The audience’s reaction to many of the groups chosen songs was met with advance applause and ended with Sara thanking them and thanking Branford for having such great venue like the Jazz Series.
Sara Caswell showed her intensity in her performance.
Who is behind 5 ½‑year-old Madeleine Francisco? She is standing with her 9‑year-old sister.
The Orsene family smiles for the camera while walking across the Green.
Victor Amatori, a member of the committee who is the jazz series talent liaison, said, “The Caswell sisters were a pleasure to deal with before the concert and were very thoughtful and appreciative since they arrived here tonight.”
Members of the committee and volunteers include (seated) Phil Giordano, Alex Palluzzi, Laura Campanelli, Terry Elton and Butch Cote. Standing, Victor Amatori and Dr. Joe Cardinale.
Meg Kilgore of Branford picks up a few signatures for the BYO (Bring Your Own-Bag) project supporting a ban on single use plastic bags distributed by some stores in Branford.
The group pauses after the concert.
Tonight’s concert will feature the Javon Jackson Quartet. Jackson plays tenor sax in the group that performs jazz soul. He is chair of the University of Hartford’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.