LA-based jazz collective Lizzy and the Triggermen deliver a joyously theatrical experience with their latest release, “Live at Joe’s Pub.” Covering an entire live swing set complete with lead singer Elizabeth Shapiro’s witty remarks in between tracks, this album captures the band’s onstage electricity and sounds immaculately produced for a live recording.
The first thing you notice is how clean the recording is for a live capture. The mix places Lizzy Shapiro’s powerful vocals front and center without drowning out the rhythm and horns, and crowd ambience is present but never intrusive. This live album is clearly intended to show what the group does best: stagecraft and swing delivered by first-rate players.
https://lizzyandthetriggermen.com/album/3651259/live-at-joe-s-pub
The album kicks off with the electrifying “When I get Low I Get High.” Driven by up-tempo percussion, energetic horns, and rapid-fire vocal delivery, this is an electrifying opener that immediately catches your attention. Lizzy doesn’t shy away from showing off her prowess as an operatically trained vocalist as she sustains long notes and switches between high and low registers with ease.
The band weaves in classics like “I Got a Lot of Living to Do” from Bye Bye Birdie. This is followed by the original “I Know a Man,” which switches up the tone to take on a slower, more reflective energy. The band adapts perfectly, delivering a soft and somber accompaniment that really tugs at your heartstrings.
The band’s interpretation of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” arranged by Dave Bennett, is a standout moment on the album. Lizzy does a tremendous job of preserving the song’s intensity while the band adds some instrumental solos and jazzy call-and-answer sections that really elevate it musically.
The final track, “I love to Singa,” is the perfect closer to the album. Inspired by a 1936 Warner Bros. animation, this single pays homage to Lizzy’s roots as an opera singer while keeping that lighthearted, whimsical tone that makes the band what it is.
It’s rare to see a live album that nails it on so many counts. The musicianship is superb, the arrangements somehow sound vintage and fresh at the same time, and Lizzy’s vocal performance mixes sultriness, theatricality, and precision.
This album works as both a souvenir for people who saw the band live and as a convincing showcase for Lizzy & the Triggermen’s concept. It’s polished while still being showy and personable. Live at Joe’s Pub is an incredible record, and we can’t wait to see what more the band has in store for us.