You Asked For It
Eclectus, 2022
8/10
The retro-jazz vocalist Laura Ainsworth brings her seasoned pipes to this 4th album that’s comprised of requests by fans, where the Dallas artist obliges with new arrangements of songs most of us have heard before.
“Cry Me A River” starts the listen with bright brass, as Ainsworth’s charming and distinct voice guides the timeless jazz climate, and “All The Things You Are” follows with a heartfelt spirit that benefits much from Brian Piper’s graceful keys and Steve Barnes’ agile drumming.
Further on, “Scotch And Soda” illustrates much range in Ainsworth’s fluid pipes amid Noel Johnson’s smooth guitar, while “Isn’t It Romantic?” certainly is with its emotive singing, lively melodies and soulful horns.
Deeper yet, “Once Upon A Time” twinkles a bit, and finds itself in cautious areas of lush, stirring song craft, and “Over The Rainbow” exits the listen with a vocally focused and moving but adventurous version of the classic.
A very well done interpretation of The Great American Songbook, Ainsworth’s formula and aesthetics are firmly planted in the ‘40s and ‘50s, and her balancing of intimacy, harmonies and minimal versus layered musicianship makes for 11 timeless reworkings.
Travels well with: Vanessa Racci- Jazzy Italian; Aimée Allen- Love & The Catalyst