Ann Dyer – Revolver: A New Spin (Premonition) [] Recorded March 2-4, 1999 at The Hut in Berkeley, CA (50:19) 2000 release Label this one in the Fringes section. John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote quite a few songs that have been of interest to jazz lovers. Ann Dyer’s album doesn’t stop there. Rather, her appeal is toward a wider audience. One that may or may not remember the Beatles’ 1966 album Revolver. Scheduled for release by Premonition Records later this month, Dyer’s Revolver: A New Spin presents the Beatles’ songs in many flavors. Dyer’s vocal style is strong and confident. She interprets pop songs with a unique pop delivery and leaves things that way. While Dyer’s reworking of these classic songs appears fresh and open, jazz is not a major factor.

"Eleanor Rigby" provides a noticeably solid workout for Dyer’s ensemble. She interprets the lyrics clearly while her band echoes the mood. Peter Apfelbaum supports Dyer quite well and provides a deep, dark, delicious interlude with kicks. "Tomorrow Never Knows" tosses Hindustani sheets of sound at the listener while Dyer chants dreamily. While Rob Burger’s accordion offers a unique timbre - including both French and Cajun mood swings- to the session, the remainder of Dyer’s album presents itself as pop music with shades of country, R&B, bluegrass and Cajun music for a very wide audience.