Back To The Garden
Jewel City Jazz, 2021
9/10
The jazz vocalist Judy Wexler takes a departure from her usual route on this 6th album, where she interprets classic pop songs from the ‘60s with an esteemed cast that includes Steve Hass on drums, Gabe Davis holding down bass and Larry Koonse bringing guitars, to name a few.
“Get Together” opens the listen with frisky drumming and spirited guitar work as Wexler’s intimate and inviting vocals complement the warm keys from Jeff Colella, and “Up On The Roof” follows with much beauty, soulfulness and expressive singing in the gentle, timeless climate.
Near the middle Wexler turns in a playfully jazzy version of “Big Yellow Taxi”, while “These Times They Are A Changin’” flows with heartfelt singing amid a dreamy atmosphere that does justice to the Dylan original. “For What It’s Worth” then rumbles with a bit of low tension as Wexler and company put a distinct twist on the Stephen Stills classic.
Landing near the end, “Forever Young” recruits Erin Bentlage on backing vocals alongside Sara Caswell’s soothing violin, and “Who Knows Where The Time Goes” exits the listen with Colella’s agile keys highlighting Wexler’s flawless pipes that, later on, welcomes Jay Jennings on trumpet as the emotive finish ends up being one of the album’s best.
All of Wexler’s previous albums were well received and charted with ease, and it’s quite likely this one will, too, as she brings much grace and adventurousness to songs we already love, effectively putting a fresh coat of paint on them in her own inestimable and exciting vision.
Travels well with: Rebecca DuMaine And The Dave Miller Trio- Someday, Someday; Jacqui Naylor- The Long Game