What’s Love?
Sunnyside, 2022
8/10
The jazz vocalist Judy Niemack brings us an assembly of her favorite romantic songs, both originals and covers, on this aptly titled album, where Peter Bernstein (guitar), Sullivan Fortner (piano), Doug Weiss (bass), Joe Farnsworth (drums) and Eric Alexander (alto sax) are in attendance.
“Feelin’ It In Your Bones” starts the listen with much warmth, as light keys and spirited guitar complement Niemack’s elegant and expressive pipes, and “Firefly” follows with a more firm approach, as Niemack shows much range in her playful voice amid the agile drumming.
“I’m Moving On” lands in the middle and is quite intimate, and benefits from a poetic delivery of calm beauty, while “What’s Love Got To Do With It” maintains all the power of the original in Niemack’s soulful interpretation.
Closer to the end, “I’ll Love Again” is a scrappy and rhythmic album highlight that you could and should dance to, and “Right Here, Right Now” exits with a lovely, textured, timeless jazz appeal that incorporates some frisky scatting, too.
A listen that explores the healing capability of love, Niemack’s rich and controlled timbre draws the listener in to her articulate song craft.
Travels well with: Vicki Burns- Lotus Blossom Days; Sheila Jordan- Live At Mezzrow