Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

Stevie Holland: Restless Willow

By Jim Santella
November 22, 2004
View read count

Singing standards with a clear delivery and a happy outlook, Stevie Holland gives her audience an intimate approach and a convincing, heartfelt persuasion.

James Taylor's "Sunny Skies" coasts along gently with a buoyant aura, allowing Holland to interpret its positive lyrics with a graceful piano trio alongside. "Zoot Walks In" brings an equally rosy outlook with jazz piano trio and tenor saxophone, but the drive of her interpretation glows with much more emphasis. It's the high point of the session, as Holland performs the chorus in vocalese and then scat sings in unison and close harmony with David "Fathead" Newman, bringing the song's lyrics to life.

"Stardust" and "Summertime" pair the singer with acoustic guitar. Elsewhere, she's joined by an ensemble that includes strings. The result is a lush accompaniment that complements her sparkling voice. Holland sings about romance with a passionate spirit. Musically accurate and emotionally warm, she paints an intimate picture for her audience. Restless Willow provides a lovely session of familiar songs with the genuine sparkle of Holland's voice woven into the fabric naturally.

Audio samples from the album are available at the artist's web site.

Track Listing

1. It Might As Well Be Spring; 2. Love Is Stronger Far Than We; 3. Summertime; 4. How Long Has This Been Going On?; 5. One Touch; 6. Sunny Skies; 7. Lush Life; 8. Jeg Klesker Dig; 9. Here's That Rainy Day; 10. Zoot Walks In; 11. Stardust.

Personnel

Stevie Holland

vocals

George Small

keyboards

Tim Ferguson

bass

Kenny Washington

drums

Noel Sagerman

drums

Steven Kroon

percussion

David "Fathead" Newman

saxophone, tenor

Stevie Holland (vocals); Sean Harkness (guitar); David "Fathead" Newman (saxophone); Kenny Washington (drums); Steve Kroon (percussion). Arranger: Gary William Friedman.

Album information

Title: Restless Willow | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: 150 Music

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Love Call
< Previous

Give It One
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.