Cynthia Felton - Come Sunday: The Music of Duke Ellington
Vocalist Cynthia Felton's affinity for the Ellington catalog and her overall joie de vivre shine through clearly on this endearing collection. Indeed, one fancies that her enthusiasm in no snall way influenced her stellar line-up of contributors: Jeff 'Tain' Watts Yoron Israel and Terri Lynne Carrington on drums; Robrt Hurst, Ryan williams and Tony Dunas on bass; Wallace Roney (who offers a truly exquisite solo on "I Got It Bad") and Nolan Shaheed on turmpet, and many more.
Felton, who's alos responsible for production and distribution (under her Felton Entertainment label)of the record, pulls it all together with aplomb, even down to the packaging and the vintage-style groove-marked CD. She more than matched style with substance. From her drums-only opening on "It Don't mean A thing" through the anthemic title track on tothe near whisper of Prelude To A Kiss, Felton's diamond-bright, trumpet-like tone cuts through the arrangments without sacrificing balance or depth.
Guaranteed to uplift the mood at any gathering, or even if enjoyed alone.
Joyce Cobb with The Michael Jefry Stevens Trio
How does one fully encapsulate the manifold delights of Joyce Cobb's voice. Slinky, texturally rich, versatile. Such descriptions only hint at the pleasures to be had from this reading of standards.
Cobb is perfectly in sync with accompanists Michael Jefry Stevens on piano, Johnathan Wires on bass and drummer Bernardo Ward, especially on ballads like If You Know Love and the Brazilian classic "If You Never Come To Me". Elsewhere her sprightly harmonica line serves as a clarion call for "Moanin'" and her phrasing drips sweet acid on the kiss-off "Its Over Now" (Well You Needn't)" hat appropriately closes the album.
her best showcase is the melancholy Ellington-Strayhorn "Daydream" where the sad longing of the song is fully realized, supported by the tender rise and cascade of Stevens' piano notes and the sad shuffle of the rhythm section.
Barb Jungr - Every Grain of Sand: Songs of Bob Dylan
Having interpreted the works of Nina Simone, Elvis, and -on her current disc The Men I Love, male singer-songwriters from the Monkees to David Byrne, we took on a bit of flashback to hear Barb Jungr sing the songs of Bob Dylan. From "Forever Young" to "Born In Time" and "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" Jungr imbues the selections with a combination of breeziness and gravitas that really only she can muster. She's ably supported by musical partner Simon Wallace and a multi-part band that includes string section and accordion (no mouth harp, though)
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