Don’t Quit Now
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A veteran jazz vocalist who is also skilled at piano, Jane Irving brings a wealth of talent and experience to these songs that represent much change in her own life during and after the pandemic, and she’s got some excellent musicians along the journey.
“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” opens the listen with Irving’s expressive, inviting pipes alongside Josh Richman’s elegant and warm piano playing, and “Spring Song” follows with an upbeat demeanor of dancing keys and Kayvon Gordon’s playful drumming to complement the frisky scatting.
In the middle, the dreamy “A Night In Tunisia” benefits much from Irving’s vocal acrobatics amid the frisky drums and lively keys, while “Alice In Wonderland” is particularly intimate, where Irving’s powerful voice is front and center.
Approaching the end, “The Underdog” is full of rich, absorbing song craft and “Lover” exits with a swift and dynamic delivery that makes great use of Kevin Hailey’s precise bass.
An active jazz singer for 30+ years now, Irving brings much experience and talent to these comforting and descriptive songs that resonate with timeless jazz qualities.
Travels well with: Dafnis Prieto- Cantar; Angela Verbrugge- Love For Connoisseurs