Jacqui Naylor: You Don't Know Jacq

You Don't Know Jacq is all about Jacqui Naylor, exemplifying her vocal range, warm voice, interpretive qualities and style—"Acoustic Smashing," which, in essence, means jazz standards done along rock/pop rhythm lines, or vice versa. The disc features new arrangements of the most requested songs from her previous six albums, as well as new material including the first single, "Celebrate Early and Often," now being used for many a wedding across the United States.

You Don't Know Jacq is a fulfilling experience, showcasing Naylor's vocal ability and her talent for telling a story. No matter what musical context she puts herself in—jazz, pop or rock—she will turn it into a captivating narrative. She does so over a selection of songs from various musical styles. Naylor's specialty is tying the knot between clashing worlds of music, and she makes it work so wonderfully, giving new meaning to the tunes she interprets.

Opening with the Bee Gees' "How Deep Is Your Love," Naylor makes it work with her unique and unusual phrasing. Never falling into the apparent traps of interpreting one of pop's most well-known and often-covered songs, she alters the feel, turning it into a true jazz song. She then takes a Doors-like approach to the Gershwin classic "Summertime," with Hammond organ a vital part of the accompaniment and a number of musical riffs familiar to Doors fans. Again, she makes it work; not as a tender/mellow piece but as a powerful and hot song running on overdrive.

R.E.M.'s beautifully lyrical "Losing My religion" is delivered with unique phrasing and a slow Latin rhythm, the violins making it even more romantic and Naylor's R&B phrasing adding to the dramatic tension. "Black Coffee" features a new fusion bass line until the bridge, where Naylor brings the tune back to mainstream jazz. Sometimes a ballad with just piano accompaniment is enough, and here Naylor's voice is so rich, her phrasing is so enticing, that the song becomes both refreshing and relaxing.

The most surprising arrangement is "My Funny Valentine," with a rubato gypsy violin intro fading into a smashing AC/DC rhythm section, reminiscent of a chase/thriller movie. "Ain't No Sunshine" is another standout, filled with positive energy. Naylor turns what most interpret as a torch song into a perfect and powerful song of hope.

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