Sabine Pothier – “Ornithology” 

A Modern Vocalist Takes Flight Over a Bebop Classic Reimagining Charlie Parker’s “Ornithology” is not for the faint of heart — the tune is a bebop gauntlet thrown at anyone daring to approach it. But Sabine Pothier doesn’t just approach it; she glides straight into the whirlwind with poise, control, and a keen musical intelligence that makes her interpretation feel both reverent and freshly alive.

From the opening phrase, Sabine signals that she understands the language — not just the notes. Her articulation is crisp without being rigid, dancing through the angular lines with a conversational ease that mirrors a seasoned horn player. Instead of chasing tempo, she leans into the pocket, letting the swing breathe around her like she’s been living inside this tune for years.
Technically, she’s fearless. The interval jumps, the chromatic turns, the rapid-fire bebop shapes — Sabine navigates them with a clarity that feels effortless. But what separates her from the pack is the interpretive finesse: she shades phrases with just enough lyrical warmth to remind you that this isn’t a technical exercise; it’s storytelling at 240 bpm.