Aimee Allen: Matter of Time

Aimee Allen's previous recording, her junior release, Winters & Mays. (Azuline Music, 2011) was a well-conceived offering from this Pittsburgh native. On Matter of Time, Allen brings her uncanny feel for jazz conception. The disc is slightly schizophrenic, with two competing centers of gravity: one in the jazz mainstream ("My Romance," "Out of Nowhere") and the Brazilian ("Matter of Time," "The Island"). For the latter, guitarist Romero Lubambo, provides all of the necessary humidity.

On the Bossa standard, "Corcovado" Allen and Lubambo share an intimate duet. Lubambo reserves his most delicate playing for Allen's perfect jazz alto voice. With an ornate introduction, Lubambo sets a gentle samba rolling over which Allen approaches the familiar lyric with a knowing grace. This is the fortuitous meeting to two instruments at the height of their considerable powers, coming together to celebrate a tried-and-true standard. I vote for a duet recording next time.