Big Crazy Love
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
The diverse jazz singer Courtney Freed brings us 6 originals and 5 standards here, where an all star cast of musicians are present as she incorporates folk, balladry and pop ideas into her song craft.
“There’s A Mornin’ Coming” opens with warm piano from David Saffert and skilled drumming from Kyle Owens to complement Freed’s expressive and friendly voice, and “Take Your Time” follows with plenty of breezy melody and help from Josh Gilbert on sax in the dreamy climate.
Moving along, “Ancient History” benefits much from Bernardo Gomez’s strategic bass in the soaring album highlight, while “See The Sea” welcomes the Bizarre Star Strings, who bring violin, viola and cello to the gorgeous landscape of orchestral influenced jazz.
Freed sprinkles some covers in towards the end, including the snappy jazz spirited “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, where Danni Parpan lends her playful pipes, and “Melancholy Blues” exits the listen with mature piano, agile plucked bass and bright brass as Freed’s powerful voice makes an indelible impression.
Freed made quite an impact with her debut, Happy Little Bluebird: The Music Of Harold Arlen, and this follow up sure should bring her legions of new fans, too, for her stunning vocal work and strong attention to detail sure is appreciated.
Travels well with: Dawn Derow- My Ship: Songs From 1941; Jan Daley- Home For Christmas