Connie Evingson & the John Jorgenson Quintet: All the Cats Join In

Minneapolis-native Connie Evingson is one of the most durable and reliable jazz singers performing. She has had a spate of fine recordings in the last decade, including: Let it Be Jazz: Connie Evingson Sings the Beatles (Minnehaha, 2003), Gypsy in My Soul (Minnehaha, 2005), Stockholm Sweetnin'(Minnehaha, 2006), Little Did I Dream: Songs By Dave Frishberg (Minnehaha, 2008), and Sweet Happy Life (Minnehaha, 2012). Presently, Evingson continues her trend of exceptional recordings with All the Cats Join In.

Evingson has honed her skill as a "Hot Club" vocalist, All the Cats Join In being her third release in the subgenre, this time in cooperation with the John Jorgenson Quintet. Evingson programs 14 classic songs of yesterday, seasoning them with her beautifully sardonic alto. Jorgenson's deft guitar and clarinet playing lend a definite sepia tint to the music, recalling a breezy and productive pre-war period. "Dream a Little Dream" is a perfect example of what Evingson (and Jorgenson) do so well. The polish chestnuts, leaving just enough smoke and tarnish to boast authenticity, but not so much to make the music stilted or stale. Jason Anick plays a well-behaved fiddle that is beginning to re-remerge among younger players like Nora Germaine and Jamie Shadowlight.

Evingson duets with Jon Hendricks on the medley of the title piece and "Tickle Toe." Hendricks, 93-years old at this recording remains spry and in good spirits, if not good voice. He is a living tribute to jazz vocals and Evingson celebrates him as such. "The Lamp is Low" is a splendid feature for Evingson, who uses the piece to show just how durable a vocalist she is. Good show, Connie Evingson.