Lindsey Muir: You're Nearer: Love Songs of the 30's and 40's

This 24-year-old singer has taken on the task of interpreting ballads of the 1930s and '40s with a superb cast that includes pianist Dave Berkman, guitarist Mark Whitfield, tenorist Don Braden, (also a co-producer and arranger),bassist John Benitez; trumpeter Terell Stafford and drummer Winard Harper. Muir has received some positive buzz from this album on Connecticut Jazz Radio, and she has appeared at the Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival. Her mother, Vita Muir, is the founder and director of this organization.

The project resulted from a situation in which Muir learned that her grandfather had written a love song for his new wife in the 1930s. Lindsey Muir only learned about this on her grandmother's deathbed. The song, "Is It Love You're After?", is one of the selections on this album.

Most of these tunes represent material from the Great American Songbook that has not been overexposed, and, as such, it is a pleasure to revisit them. Muir's preference to leave the verses intact is also a treat, considering the rarely heard openings for such tunes as "I'm Old Fashioned," "You're Nearer and "I Walk A Little Faster." The interplay with the musicians contributes to the enjoyment of this album, with three delightful Mark Whitfield guitar opportunities (including "I'm Old Fashioned" and "This Time The Dream's On Me"). The venerable "My Foolish Heart" features Dave Berkman's piano and a fine Don Braden tenor sax solo. For variety, "I Wish You Love" and "You're Getting To Be A Habit With Me" are taken at mid-tempo pace.