You Hit The Spot
Honey Crystal, 2022
8/10
The Chicago vocalist Tracye Eileen returns to her jazz roots with these 8 standards that are executed with a very modern edge and take help from an all star cast of players.
“I Love Being Here With You” opens the listen with bright brass and Jeremy Kahn’s skilled piano to complement Eileen’s expressive and radiant vocals, and “You Hit The Spot” follows with Steve Eisen’s precise reed skills and Stewart Miller’s playful bass adding much allure alongside Eileen’s soulful pipes.
At the halfway point, “Almost Like Falling In Love” showcases Linard Stroud’s frisky drumming and Dennis Luxion’s upbeat piano in the cozy climate, while “The Very Thought Of You” gets intimate and emotional with Paul Martin’s well timed bass accenting Eileen’s very stirring voice.
The album highlight, “This Can’t Be Love”, arrives near the end, and bounces with a charming energy, and “The End Of A Love Affair” exits with Victor Garcia’s trumpet and Raphael Crawford’s trombone in the cautious, memorable finish.
Eileen possesses a voice that can parallel the greatness of legends like Billie Holiday or Nina Simone, and her calming, uplifting and swinging interpretations illuminate these classics in an entirely new light.
Travels well with: Vicki Burns- Lotus Blossom Days; Craig Davis- Tone Paintings