Eleonora Eubel: Full Moon

Argentinian vocalist Eleonora Eubel is in fine form on this independent release. Her main collaborator on the project is guitarist and fellow Argentinian Guillermo Bazzola, who did many of the arrangements. In widely varying ensemble contexts, Eubel offers an engaging menu of standards and originals, sung in English. Her voice is forceful yet subtle, revealing influences that range from Ella Fitzgerald to Abbey Lincoln to Cassandra Wilson. She’s also an exceptional songwriter, leading off with the Joni Mitchell-esque "Running for Your Love" and going on to include other inviting tracks like "Black Mirror" and the brooding "Cradle Song." Bazzola’s presence is strong on both electric and acoustic guitars; his acoustic treatment of "Cry Me a River" is a highlight. Eubel’s versatility also comes through on three tracks in which she’s accompanied by only one instrument: guitar on "Good Morning, Heartache," bass on "Speak Low," and — most unusual of all — drums on an abbreviated "Bye, Bye Blackbird." She also communicates a lighthearted sense of fun throughout the session — most explicitly at the end of "Black Mirror," when she breaks into spontaneous laughter. Recommended.