Home » Jazz Articles » Liner Notes » CeCe Gable: Next Year's Song
CeCe Gable: Next Year's Song
ByWith Next Year's Song, CeCe sends a clear message about what she believes in and where she stands. Her choice of material is first-rate, reflecting an earnest appreciation for standards; the arrangements, courtesy of her band mate/producer/sounding board, showcase a mature voice while sparkling in the light of sophistication and surprise; and the company that she keepsHarvie, guitarist Roni Ben-Hur, pianist Alan Broadbent and drummer Matt Wilsonis second to none. Taken together, that information denotes absolute quality.
Opening on the title tracka joint effort between CeCe and Harviethe singer immediately sets the scene with a hopeful tone. The bassist's composition waltzes along while the leader's lyrics hold the torch of optimism aloft, lighting the way to a brighter future. A riff-reinforced "No Moon at All" follows, swinging with class and intelligence. A work of stylish standing, it leaves no doubt as to the collective chemistry at play in this gathering.
Settling into a series of classics arranged with bespoke tailoring, CeCe breathes new life into one winner after another. Time floats around "Two for the Road," enhancing a vocal romance with rumination. "Just One of Those Things," riding the fast lane, gives the leader a chance to open up the throttle and sees Matt plying his melodic trade on the kit. "Like a Lover (O Cantador)," placing Roni's tasteful tone(s) at the fore, allows CeCe to sway gently through the Brazilian breeze. And "I'm Gonna Laugh You Right out of My Life," shedding its balladic bearing in favor of a comfortable swing stride, finds this singer recalibrating the story to fit the setting. Add to that three perfect pairingsa pas de deux with drums at the outset of "My Romance," a late-night confessional beside the piano on "Moments Like This," and a brush with bass in "Come Rain or Come Shine"and the appreciation for CeCe's collaborative craft grows tenfold.
Taking two detours away from standards near album's end, this veracious vocalist sets her sights on Alan Broadbent's songbook with Georgia Mancio's lyrics. Joining with the pianist-composer (and the rhythm tandem) for "The Last Goodbye," CeCe embraces an air of haunting nostalgia. And gliding over a samba-inflected "From Me to You" alongside guitar, she signs off with grace and charm. Guided by trust and adorned with wonderful risk(s) and rewards, Next Year's Song is one of this year's gems.
Liner Notes copyright © 2024 Dan Bilawsky.
Next Year's Song can be purchased here.
Contact Dan Bilawsky at All About Jazz.
Dan is a jazz journalist, jazz advocate, music educator, and lover of sounds.
Track Listing
Next Year's Song; No Moon at All; Two for the Road; Just One of Those Things; Like a Lover (O Cantador); I'm Gonna Laugh You Right Out of My Life; The Last Goodbye; My Romance; Moments Like This; Come Rain or Come Shine; From Me To You.
Personnel
CeCe Gable
vocalsAlan Broadbent
pianoHarvie S
bass, acousticMatt Wilson
drumsRoni Ben-Hur
guitarAlbum information
Title: Next Year's Song | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Self Released
< Previous
Cabin 19 Fever
Next >
9 to 5