Carla Cook: Simply Natural (2002)

C. MICHAEL BAILEY,

C. Michael Bailey

Senior Contributor since 1997

...wants to know if Gene Harris is playing "Summertime" in Heaven...

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Published: October 2, 2002

A Third by Ms. Cook...

Carla Cook is the first singer on the MAXJAZZ roster to release three discs. Her previous two, It’s All About Love and Dem Bones both received considerable attention upon release. Here, Ms. Cook continues in fine form and under the direction of producer/pianist Bruce Barth. Cyrus Chestnut is again on hand to provide his well-developed support and ditto for the rhythm section of bassist Kenny David and Drummer Billy Kilson. Ms. Cook’s originals, the title track and "Still Gotta A Thing For You" show a great deal of compositional growth for the singer. The standards are prime MAXJAZZ—sideways standards like Ellington’s "Tulip or Turnip" and Herbie Hancock’s "Watermelon Man" are jazz standards with lyrics written later. The surprise, and there always is one with this label, is the great cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s "Scarborough Fair." It is always these little surprises that make this label’s releases so compelling and so with Ms. Cooks latest. Good Show!

Track Listing: Simply Natural; Tulip Or Turnip; Weak For The Man; Watermelon Man; Strong Man; Something

Personnel: Carla Cook

Record Label: MA Recordings
Style: Vocal