Carla Cook: Simply Natural

Carla Cook is the first singer on the MAXJAZZ roster to release three discs. Her previous two, It’s All About Love and Dem Bones both received considerable attention upon release. Here, Ms. Cook continues in fine form and under the direction of producer/pianist Bruce Barth. Cyrus Chestnut is again on hand to provide his well-developed support and ditto for the rhythm section of bassist Kenny David and Drummer Billy Kilson. Ms. Cook’s originals, the title track and "Still Gotta A Thing For You" show a great deal of compositional growth for the singer. The standards are prime MAXJAZZ—sideways standards like Ellington’s "Tulip or Turnip" and Herbie Hancock’s "Watermelon Man" are jazz standards with lyrics written later. The surprise, and there always is one with this label, is the great cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s "Scarborough Fair." It is always these little surprises that make this label’s releases so compelling and so with Ms. Cooks latest. Good Show!