Jessica Molaskey: Sitting in Limbo

Molaskey is a very polished vocalist whose specialty is Broadway musicals, currently appearing in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George, which opened in Manhattan in February, 2008. Her jazz credentials are enhanced by her frequent appearances and recordings such as this one, with her husband's working combo, but she is really an artist even more comfortable in a theatrical or cabaret setting. A similar comparison could be made for the late career of Rosemary Clooney, who was re-invented by Concord Records during the last two decades of her life, through her many jazz-associated albums. However, even Clooney came from a big band setting prior to her string of pop hits in the 1950s.

Sitting in Limbo is a thematic album, using the lyrics of Jimmy Cliff's title tune to reflect a place "between heaven and hell" with an interesting choice of mostly pop material. On Paul Simon's "Hearts and Bones," based upon an autobiographical lyric that reflects upon Simon's failed marriage and a journey to New Mexico with actress/writer Carrie Fisher (."..One and one-half wandering Jews, Free to wander wherever they choose..."). Billy Joel's "Summer, Highland Falls" is interleaved with Jobim's uncredited "Tristeza," with the word "sadness" appearing in both songs but with different meanings.

An important part of the Molaskey/Pizzarelli performances—live or in studio—is their interrelated duets. Here two Vincent Youman/ Irving Caesar tunes—"I Want to Be Happy" and "Sometimes I'm Happy"—are sung by each of the vocalists. Elsewhere, Molaskey renders Joni Mitchell's "The Circle Game" while Pizzarelli does Jobim's vocally complex "Waters of March." Finally, Cat Stevens' "Morning Has Broken" is sung alongside the Pizzarelli/Molaskey original "I Woke Up One Early Morning." All of these tunes represent contrasting views that are reflected in Jimmy Cliff's lyrics on the title tune: "..I don't know where life will take me, but I know where I've been..."

Pizzarelli's group is augmented by pianist/organist Larry Goldings on half of the selections (in lieu of Larry Fuller) and the presence of the always dependable and lyrical tenor saxophonist, Harry Allen. Bassist Martin Pizzarelli and drummer Tony Tedesco complete the roster.

Disregarding labels and sub-genres, this is Jessica Molaskey's finest album in terms of concept and execution.

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