Christine Hitt - Magical Kite (2018)

Magical Kite, the newest CD from vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Christine Hitt, comprises a range of styles, from standards to gospel to bebop. The selection of songs reflects Hitt’s eclectic tastes and influences, but it’s her innate musicality that elevates and personalizes these songs.

The CD was produced by Geoffrey Keezer, the prolific, Grammy-nominated pianist, composer, and arranger, and features John Beasley on piano. She’s also accompanied by some of the top jazz musicians in Southern California.

Magical Kite is the long-awaited follow-up to YOU’D BE SO NICE TO COME HOME TO, her 1999 MaxJazz release that featured Hitt on vocals and piano, along with several well-known jazz artists. Hitt’s warm voice can express a rich tapestry of tones, and she sings ballads and swing tunes with equal facility. Keezer’s arrangements truly set this recording apart, but Hitt also wanted the experience of Keezer as an accompanist; she closes the CD with a gentle but emotional duet with him on “Around The World.”

Hitt’s sophisticated lyric interpretations along with her musical chops, Magical Kite is a showcase from an experienced artist with great depth and maturity.