Pianist Robert Prester and singer Adriana Samargia perform often-startlingly original versions of seven standards, four of the pianist’s originals, and Howard Jones’ “Things Can Only Get Better.”
In a set of music that is continually full of surprises, the duo sounds very much like a complete orchestra.
Robert Prester is a virtuosic pianist who is consistently brilliant whether performing classical music or jazz. Adriana Samargia has a distinctive and powerful voice, digs into the lyrics that she interprets, and has created her own very original phrasing. Together they make for quite a potent team on Quenara.
Prester and Samargia call their collaborations “Music Without Limits.” One can understand why when listening to Quenara, a set of often-stunning performances that alternate standards with Prester’s originals. The results are never predictable but are always ultimately logical and inventive.
Quenara begins with a high-energy version of Howard Jones’ 1985 hit “Things Can Only Get Better” and Prester’s “Altar Ego” which is about contradictory thoughts and actions, and about knowing oneself. From the start, it is obvious that Prester is very much a complete band by himself, while Samaragia’s powerful singing is unlike anyone else. She displays quiet but passionate feelings on “You Go To My Head,” takes Prester’s “Can’t Get Over You” through several different moods while often being celebratory, and includes some refreshingly surprising note choices in the melody of Oliver Nelson’s “Stolen Moments.” The title track “Quenara” exemplifies the artistry of this album with Samargia’s other worldly vocal coupled with the rich harmonies and haunting melody of Prester’s composition.
Of the other performances, some of the highlights include the singer’s stunning high notes on “Lover Man,” the wistful feeling on which she closes “But Not For Me,” and the pure joy that she gives Chick Corea’s “You’re Everything.” Throughout the set, Prester’s piano playing not only accompanies and inspires her flights but acts as a second voice filled with unpredictable playing of his own.
Robert Prester began playing piano when he was three, had extensive classical training, and developed his own original voice within jazz. He earned a Masters of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and composed the soundtrack for the CityKids Foundation show, appearing with Herbie Hancock and Grover Washington Jr. Prester spent time living and playing music in Honolulu (including with the Honolulu Symphony), New York and Florida before settling in Philadelphia. Among his recordings are four jazz albums (including Dogtown which features his original compositions) and “Rapsodya,” his interpretations of classical solo piano pieces including his original piano sonata in three movements.
Adriana Samargia’s musical journey began as a Balkan folk singer. She later studied classical and jazz voice at several music colleges, the most influential being Foothill College where she developed a love for a cappella music and jazz harmony. Her skill was honored with the esteemed "Best Jazz Vocal Soloist" student award by Downbeat Magazine. Samargia founded and has directed The Parson Brown Singers since 2001. Her colorful singing has been heard in a wide variety of settings over decades including on First Snow, a recording of winter songs that matches her voice with Robert Prester’s piano and The Parson Brown Singers.
Quenara is one of the most exciting and original piano-voice duet albums of recent times, featuring Robert Prester and Adriana Samargia at their most creative and passionate.