Kristina Koller: Walk on By

How to tackle a project of cover songs? Well, singer Kristina Koller tells us on her fourth release, Walk on By, a tribute to composing legend Burt Bacharach. With the assistance of pianist and Rhodes player Fima Chupakhin, bassist James Robbins, drummer Cory Cox and some vocal backups, the group meshes with ease, offering toothsome tunes. Koller does not go in for the Karen Carpenter type of silkiness. No, she is a little soulful; rough yet mellow in her vocals. It is, overall, a gripping set of songs displaying a modern mood.

Koller notes, "Of course I grew up listening to his music. Mom got me into a lot of music, especially Bacharach, Motown, and soul," so this release is not unexpected. The initial track, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again," could be a soft, lonely tune. However, the piece begins with rhythmic piano and attentive percussion. Koller's vocals are tender, but there is a rawness behind them that really gives the piece some oomph. The backing instrumentation exhibits a livelier support, layering in a stronger R&B atmosphere, showing the group's ability to bring Bacharach into contemporary times.

Bacharach is a romantic at heart, whether it is a heart full of love or a recently broken one. The album, though, never sinks into the saccharine or sappy. Though Koller is not quite the queen of drama like Aretha Franklin on "Say a Little Prayer" (Atlantic, 1968), she delivers her own, mellowed version. In "Close to You," the vocals and piano have a stronger awareness of being delicate and gentle. Yet it does not wander into a mopey territory, that lovelorn tone that Carpenter sometimes exemplifies. It is a difficult task to handle tunes that long for emotional surplus. Still, Koller and her team keep the sobs at a distance.

"Walk on By" has been covered by a whole host of artists from pop legend Dionne Warwick to British singer Rumer. Koller and her band mates keep their lightly energetic style but shape it toward a darker tone. It is smokey without causing a coughing fit; smooth, but with a bit of bite, like a lemon or orange peel in a stiff drink. Not only are the singer's vocals emotive, but the band is completely behind them, lending interesting musical lines when serving backup as well as handling the tune.

Koller is not afraid to be herself. On her previous projects, a similar attitude was achieved by moving traditional vocal jazz into other categories. By blending in pop or R&B undertones, these former albums, as well as Walk On By, are infused with life, with a smirk and a sway. Bacharach has been updated here while remaining a classic that different generations can enjoy.