Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Judy Wexler: Dreams and Shadows
Judy Wexler: Dreams and Shadows
ByIn 2005 Wexler received strong reviews for her first CD, Easy on the Heart, and now her follow-up is garnering accolades for the Los Angeles-based singer. It's easy to hear whythe thirteen songs are entirely appealing, whether joyful, melancholy, or mischievous. One of Wexler's virtues is her instinct for interesting songs; like fellow West-coast singer June Christy, Wexler has an ear for unusual tunes that convey mixed emotions. Consider Blossom Dearie's "Bye Bye Country Boy," where Wexler nails the song's intriguing mix of carelessness and regret. Other interesting choices include the decades-old pop song "Spooky," which Wexler transforms into an enjoyable jazz concoction, backed by Gilbert Castellanos' sinuous trumpet. And who would have anticipated that "If I Only Had a Brain" would transform so easily into a lilting jazz number? Wexler also shines on more familiar jazz fare, particularly Sonny Rollins' "Pent Up House," where she handles the song's shifting bop lines with perfect ease. Her interpretation of Elvis Costello's haunting "Almost Blue" is a fearless dive into the song's poignant center, and her voice is true and sure on the CD opener "Comes Love."
Wexler has a wealth of gifts, which elegantly unfold over the course of Dreams & Shadows. Yet she never overplays her assets; she is always sensitive to what each song needs, and this combined with her sincere connection to the lyrics makes Wexler an impressive talent.
Track Listing
Comes Love; Dreams & Shadows (Delilah); In Love In Vain; Photograph; Spooky; If I Only Had A Brain; Almost Blue; Bye Bye Country Boy; Pent Up House; One Less Bell To Answer; Don't Be On The Outside; Summer Is Gone; Life's A Lesson (Blue Daniel).
Personnel
Judy Wexler
vocalsJudy Wexler: vocals; Alan Pasqua: piano; Jeff Colella: piano; Darek Oles: double-bass; Steve Hass: drums; Joe LaBarbera: drums; Bob Sheppard: bass clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone; Gilbert Castellanos: trumpet; Tollak Ollestad: harmonica; Stefanie Fife: cello.
Album information
Title: Dreams & Shadows | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Jazzed Media