Amanda Carr: Tender Trap

This outing finds Carr with the John Wilkins Trio, further assisted by several reedmen and trumpeters throughout the album. The thirteen tunes are very well-chosen, with a good eye on just the right touch, mixing the known items from the Great American Songbook with some obscurities. "That Old Devil Moon" and Jobim's "No More Blues" are probably the best known.

Carr begins with the highly underappreciated "Never Will I Marry," from a 1960 Frank Loesser musical. She visits Rodgers and Hart's "Do It The Hard Way," which reminded me of Chet Baker's Riverside version from the late '50s. Likewise, she includes a nicely turned version of the Billie Holiday-associated "Foolin' Myself" and the upbeat Ellington "Tulip or Turnip." More and more, jazz singers seem determined to present their versions of Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away," and Carr doesn't disappoint with her take on the tune.

The supporting trio does quite well, guitarist John Wilkins providing both comping and fills with effective rhythm support from bassist Bronek Suchanek and drummer Kenny Hadley. Per a rather complex schedule, there is also support from three saxophonists, including the regarded Dick Johnson on clarinet and alto sax, Arnie Krakowsky and Jerry Vejmola on tenor sax, plus Rick Hammett on trumpet on eight songs. Their respective solos provide a lift on the up-tempo selections and add to the mood of the ballads. Other than the brassy sound towards the end of "Never Will I Marry," I enjoyed Tender Trap and look forward to Amanda Carr's next venture.

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