Naama Gheber: Old Mother Hubbard

New York-based Israeli vocalist Naama Gheber released her debut Dearly Beloved (Cellar Live) two years ago this month, in April 2020, right at the front of the gaping maw, we came to know as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or COVID-19. In spite of this, Gheber's recording garnered favorable reviews at All About Jazz, as well as elsewhere. Dearly Beloved was an announcement of a supple and gifted talent emerging.

With the Covid pandemic arguably behind us, Gheber returns with an EP having its planned release in November 2022. In the meantime, Gheber will release several songs included on the EP as singles, the first being her reimagining of the nursery rhyme "Old Mother Hubbard." Nursery rhymes molded into musical standards are nothing new. Ella Fitzgerald originally recorded the rhyme with the Ray Brown orchestra in 1949. This was well after her recording of "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" in 1938 with the Chick Webb Orchestra. "Mary Had A Little Lamb" was a blues favorite covered by Buddy Guy and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Now Gheber makes her mark in this established subgenre.

Using a basic jazz piano trio, Gheber and company set up a strolling 4/4 walk with a potent swing momentum (seatbelt recommended). The singer begins in a mainstream vein, quickly evolving into a Bessie Smith blues romp before recovering and ending in the style of a Broadway show. Pianist Ben Paterson, urges Naama on stylistically, while bassist Neal Miner and drummer Evan Sherman ensure a precise beat. Gheber's vocals are confident throughout, changing as necessary to meet the mood of the band. This single release is a smart business decision, offering listeners just a taste of the EP's remaining songs. That taste is a savory and satisfying one.