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Judy Wexler: What I See
ByWith this, her fourth CD, Wexler grabs a handful of these pieces and performs themwith the help of some of L.A.'s finest First-Callers with esprit, taste and wry humor. Wexler's vocal timbre seems ideal for the range of material herefrom ballads to softer rock via broad- ranged selections from John Williams ("The Long Goodbye") to Richie Havens ("Follow"), et al. More restrained than robust, her voice has a minimalist's tinge, vibratoless, clear as virgin spingwater, but always on target pitch and intonation-wise. Although it's not disingenuously cute, there's more Blossom Dearie in her sound and lyric displays than, say, a Kral Irene or Diana, she with the second "l." The overall sonority fits the unique material to a T.
Props are in order for pianist Jeff Colella's fine arrangements and playing, which frame Wexler's approach well. The solo efforts on the session are as tasty and apropos as she on whom the spotlight shines. No toes are stepped on in these dances. Multi-woodwind ace Bob Sheppard's solos shine bright, as do those of the enormously talented trumpeter, Ron Stout. Slide artist Scott Whitfield brings sweet tea to the garden party blowing on a Satchmo-signed standard ("A Kiss to Build a Dream On"). The rhythm section works the material, well without being intrusive or uninterested.
With a plethora of female vocalists umbilically tied to the Songbook and Ipanema Beach's sandy sounds, Wexlerby way of taking a road less traveleddelivers a refreshing, satisfying musical excavation. Hooray for Hollywood.
Track Listing
Tomorrow Is Another Day; The Moon Is Made Of Gold; Convince Me; They Say It's Spring; A Certain Sadness; The Long Goodbye; Just For Now; Follow; Another Time, Another Place; A Kiss To Build A Dream On; Laughing At Life.
Personnel
Judy Wexler
vocalsJudy Wexler: vocals; Jeff Colella: piano; Larry Koonse: guitar, ukulele; Chris Colangelo; bass; Steve Hass: drums; Ron Stout: flugelhorn, trumpet; Bob Sheppard: bass clarinet, alto flute; Scott Whitfield: trombone; Billy Hulting: percussion.
Album information
Title: What I See | Year Released: 2013 | Record Label: Jazzed Media
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