"Deja Blue" starts the session slowly with a deliberate drive. It's a lush, 12-bar blues that welcomes you into the singer's congenial household. Etta Jones joins Bryson for "It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House" to trade choruses and share in the blues mood of the album. While Connie Bryson's lovely jazz waltz, "Do You Sometimes Think of Us?" hypnotizes the listener; it serves to connect the past with Jeanie Bryson's unique style. When appropriate, she alters the pitch to make her point. Storytelling comes naturally to the gifted singer, and everyone knows what it's like to sit through performances that do not convince. Just take a quick look at your radio and television advertising for a reminder.

Bryson's sensual session includes superb instrumental interludes that complement her vocals. Gerry Niewood, Coleman Mellett, Christian McBride, Ted Brancato and Steve Nelson contribute loose, moving solos that match the leader's mood. It's been a while since we've been treated to a new album by Jeanie Bryson; but this one, fortunately, rekindles the fire. It's about time.

Jeanie Bryson at All About Jazz.
Visit Jeanie Bryson on the web.

Track listing: Deja Blue; Poetry Man; It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House; I'd Like to be Baby to You; Sadness; I Told You I Love You, Now Get Out; Azure Te; Hello It's Me; Bittersweet Surrender; Now Or Never; Do You Sometimes Think Of Us?; Con Alma/Am I Blue?.

Personnel: Jeanie Bryson- vocals; Ted Brancato- piano, Fender Rhodes; Christian McBride, John Herbert- bass; Andrea Valentini- drums; Steve Nelson- vibraphone; Gerry Niewood- C flute, alto flute; Chuggy Carter- percussion; Frank Weber- vocals on "Bittersweet Surrender;" Etta Jones- vocals on "It's So Nice to Have a Man Around the House."

Style: Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool
Published: September 01, 2001

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