Though critics have accused her of sticking close to her predecessors and playing it too safe with her material and delivery, Jane Monheit has grown up a lot in one album and is truly ready to spread her wings and take her place among the new generation of jazz vocalists. Disovered by master producer Joel Dorn, Monheit has also caught the ear and attention of legends such as Kenny Barron, Michael Brecker and fellow young lion Christian McBride, all of whom perform on this lovely and highly listenable album. From the breathy opening verse of the American standard "Over the Rainbow" to the more exploratory reading of the Canadian should-be-classic "Case of You," Monheit stretches both her repertoire and her expressions on this second album.
With the help of Barron and McBride, Monheit keys her ways through standards such as "I'm Through With Love" and "Blame It On My Youth" (which features a fittingly remorseful trumpet line by Tom Harrell), then enlists Richard Bona to strum her through Bread's "If." Bona also sets the tone for a triumphant tackling of the twisting tongue tango "Waters of March," which is a challenge in itself. To prove the extent of her growth, Monheit closes the album with a juvenile rendition of the opening track, but there is much more evidence of her artistic development throughout.
So for those frustrated musicians who have nothing better to do than nay-say what may indeed be the next big thing, take Monheit's invitation and dream along.
Track Listing
Over the Rainbow; Hit the Road to Dreamland; Spring Can Really Hand You Up the Most; Waters of March; I'm Through With Love; I'll Be Seeing You; Something to Live For; So Many Stars; If; Blame It on My Youth; A Case of You.
Jane Monheit: vocals; Kenny Barron: piano; Christian McBride: acoustic bass, electric bass (9); Gregory Hutchinson: drums; Tom Harrell: trumpet; Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone; Richard Bona: acoustic guitar and fretless bass (11).
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
We sent a confirmation message to . Look for it, then click the link to activate your account. If you don’t see the email in your inbox, check your spam, bulk or promotions folder.
African Jazz Afrobeat Ambient / New Age Beyond Jazz Big Band Blues Brazilian / Bossa Nova / Samba Classical / Chamber Dixieland / New Orleans / Swing Electronica Free Improv / Avant-Garde Fringes of Jazz Funk / Groove / Acid Jazz Fusion / Progressive Rock Hot Jazz / Gypsy Jazz Jam Band Latin Lounge / Exotica Modern Jazz R&B / Soul Reggae / Ska Spiritual / Cosmic Jazz Straight-ahead (Bop, Hard bop, Cool) Vocal