Touch & Go
Soliterra, 2020
8/10
The lyricist, composer and vocalist Susan Tobocman returns with her 4th album, where the songstress brings originals, standards and some lesser known tunes to a very versatile effort where Joel Frahm, Dave Eggar, Pete McCann, Henry Hey, Matt Pavolka and Michael Sarin are on hand with their respective talents.
“What’ll I Do” starts the listen with Tobocman’s smooth pipes guiding the warm keys from Hey and sax from Frahm that complements the cultured setting, and “Witchita Lineman” follows with a calming display of jazz friendly beauty that’s both expressive and poetic.
Further on, the Tobocman original “Leaves Of Absence” benefits greatly from Frahm’s sax prowess on the highly melodic, instrumental, Latin inspired display, while “Help!” puts a very eloquent and moving spin on a classic with strong vocal range. “The Way To You”, Tobocman’s best original selection, then recruits some Latin influences into the pretty climate.
At the end, “You Only Live Twice” finds a playful place to reside with spirited guitar work amid the waltz flavor, and a 2nd version of “Help!” finishes the listen with much aid from Eggar’s cello and McCann’s guitar work on what is probably the most adventurous version of this song to date.
Tobocman sounds like an artist coming into her own here, as she steers a timeless jazz environment with exceptional song craft, a whole lot of heart and a healthy amount of exploration on what is certainly a career highlight, though I think the best is yet to come for her.
Travels well with: Sue Anne Gershenzon- You Must Believe In Spring; Cece Gable- More Than A Song