Julie Kelly: Freedom Jazz Dance

Freedom Jazz Dance from Los Angeles singer, Julie Kelly offers an interesting array of selections that emanate from that musical road less traveled. And, as in life, sometimes that road yields nuggets of delight that would most likely never make it to the tried and "true way."

Peter Nero and Carroll Coates' "New York on Sunday" opens things and is a lilting snap on 2 and 4 groove with Kelly joyously covering it and Josh Nelson slickly comping. Guitarist Larry Koonse, Nelson and bassist Luca Alemanno each offer tasty solos. "Take Me to the Alley," from the highly creative mind of Gregory Porter, is more a message than a swinger. It is a unique track that Kelly devours in its deeper intentions. Kelly, who spent some time in Brazil, sends up João Donato's "A Ra (The Frog)," as a faster samba deftly singing it in Portuguese.

The song list here is as unique as is Kelly's fine vocal instrument, from jazz classics to pop to Brazilian treasures. Hers are darker and deeply resonant pipes rather than girly-lily pristine. That works quite well across the spectrum of this eclectic material. She has a fine rhythmic sense and deftly uses her instrument as an instrument on the varied content.

"Practical Arrangement," from Sting and Robert Mathes, is thoughtful and reflective and hands down a perfect track for Kelly's lyric and melodic approach. It's a brilliant production touch. "Freedom Jazz Dance" gets a harder, percussive take with Kelly stating Jon Hendricks' lyrics. Reedman, Danny Janklow's solos hard over a frantic rhythm bed. "Early Morning Rain," is acoustic and story-sung with subtle "Wichita Lineman" folksy slide guitar overtones. "Nothing Like You," a straight-ahead burner, has Kelly ebulliently delivering a great take on the Bob Dorough tune. It's a standout and very hip track. "Funny How Time Slips Away"/"Hello Like Before" is another fine production touch via Barbara Brighton, Josh Nelson, and Lisa Kelly, mashing two diverse tunes in a light bossa take. Latin classic "Ponteio" closes the show with Kelly in Portuguese and all shimmering brightly.

Freedom Jazz Dance is a road worth taking as it certainly offers stimulating music from a terrific vocalist and her outstanding first-call L.A. team.