In Any Key
Grevlinto, 2019
8/10
An artist who is following in her father’s footsteps, on this debut solo record Gretje Angell continues the jazz lineage in her family with an eclectic and timeless approach to tunes by Ellington, Gershwin and Youmans, among others.
“(Our) Love Is Here To Stay” starts out the listen with Angell’s silky smooth vocals against fluid and agile light jazz sounds on this bossa nova version, and “I’m Old Fashioned” follows with a bouncy, playful setting and brushed percussion in a swing atmosphere.
Even though there’s just 9 tracks, each one leaves an indelible impression, including the cinematic and emotive ballad “Deep In A Dream”, and the guitar fueled grace of the cultured “Berimbau”.
Near the end, “One Note Samba” puts Angell’s incredible pipes on display in a hushed environment with some of the best guitar work present, while “Tea For Two” is a cozy offering of classic jazz appeal. The unassuming listen ends on “Them There Eyes”, where vocal acrobatics and a swift, charming closer continue the strong, accomplished songwriting.
It’s no surprise that Angell is classically trained, as her delivery is precise and first rate. Though she’s fronted plenty of bands in her day, this effort proves that her musical vision works just as well on her own, too.
Travels well with: Diana Krall- Quiet Nights; Ella Fitzgerald- The Best Is Yet To Come