Reimagine
SingBaby, 2025
8/10
The jazz vocalist Jennifer Madsen brings her soulful skills and no lack of grooves to these standards that enlist Brent Edstrom, Clipper Anderson and Mark Ivester, plus some guests.
“Body And Soul” opens with a warm spirit, where Sean Jones’ animated trumpet suit Madsen’s elegant pipes, and “I Can’t Give You Anything Buy Love, Baby” follows with a frisky mood thanks to Anderson’s playful bass and Edstrom’s upbeat keys amid the expressive singing.
Landing in the middle, “Beyond The Sea” offers an intimate moment of gorgeous vocals plus the cozy piano and Howard Levy’s touching harmonica, while “In The Wee Hours Of The Morning” benefits from Ivester’s skilled drumming.
“Mean To Me” and “Someone To Watch Over Me” exit the listen. The former recruits firm keys and crisp drums alongside the colorful singing, and the latter allows for Madsen’s flawless pipes to tug on the heartstrings in a gentle and timeless finish.
You may have heard some of these songs before, but Madsen puts her own twist on classics with much care and strong vocal phrasing that you can’t not admire.
Travels well with: Juliet Ewing- Simply ‘S Wonderful; Masha Campagne- Alegre Menina