Mad Love Ish Review

Kathleen Hollingsworth is a pianist, vocalist, and leader of a jazz trio called Mad Love. Hollingsworth is an active choral educator, adjudicator, and director. The Portland-based musician has been performing and writing for most of her life, which was inspired by a childhood immersed in singing that soon led to her studying piano. Hollingsworth’s music pulls from many influences as the multi-faceted singer-songwriter mixes jazz and Americana-Rock into a style that is both familiar and stimulating. Her lyrics are just as catchy as her melody as she spins her music with the sophistication and heartfelt soul.

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About the Album

Mad Love, under the direction of Hollingsworth, is releasing their debut album. Filled with East coast grit and west coast soul with the flowing together of jazz, pop, and Americana-Soul, the album is creatively called ISH. Mad Love is Hollingsworth on vocals and piano, Brent Follis on drums, and Dave Captien on bass. The album also has special guest appearances of Wil Blades on organ, Dominic Castillo on guitar, and Ross Garlow on bass. ISH is eight tracks, three Hollingsworth originals, a co-collaboration with Brent Follis, and three outstanding arrangements of selections from various musical genres. Mad Love’s ISH represents four years of the trio playing together and developing a multi-faceted musical crusade where singer-songwriter lyrics blend with jazz colors and Americana-Rock musical appeal.

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Our Favorite Track

“Wave The Sun Goodbye” is our favorite track. The music and lyrics are by Hollingsworth, and this track sums up the essence of Mad Love, which is thoughtful lyrics combined with excellent musicianship and singing. Captien’s bass sound is full and possesses the perfect amount of growl. The harmonic structure of the composition, as well as the improvisational sections, are taken from the jazz genre. The storytelling lyrics and memorable melody are more in line with the skills of singer-songwriters in the Americana genre. That is a perfect combination. Hollingsworth’s scatting is interesting, not entirely in line with the rhythmic jazz language, but more of a marriage of jazz and pop. What is so impressive is Hollingsworth’s songwriting and lyrics. She certainly has a gift, and it is a fresh sound in the jazz genre.

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In Conclusion

ISH is a project that will draw the attention of a broad audience. The music is balanced, and the styles are diverse. The guest artists add to the core sound of the trio and support Hollingsworth’s music vision with finesse. The three arrangements are creative and bring something new to the songs. The original music is fresh, sounding with a jazz vibe that extends to a multi-genre appeal.