Simply ‘S Wonderful
HoneyDiva/Lexicon, 2025
8/10
The Broadway theater performer and jazz vocalist Juliet Ewing interprets the work of Gershwin here, and she’s got some excellent players along for the affair.
The bright spirit of “‘S Wonderful” opens with Ewing’s animated pipes alongside Ron Drotos’ playful keys, which suits the cozy melodies, and “Love Is Here To Stay/They Can’t Take That Away From Me” follows with a romantic mood thanks to the expressive singing and David Finck’s playful bass.
Further along, “But Not For Me” offers a stylish and frisky moment that benefits from the pretty singing, while “A Foggy Day” trims the mood back with much elegance and grace, where the sublime keys align with the eloquent storytelling that builds into a lively album highlight.
Landing close to the end, “Naughty Baby” benefits much from Mark McLean’s strategic drumming amid the charming vocals, and “Summertime”, the only track that’s not Gershwin’s, exits with a lush and dreamy ballad that has Ewing showcasing her strong range.
Ewing’s performance is exceptional, where she makes each track her own thanks to her commanding voice and powerful presence that does justice to Gershwin’s work.
Travels well with: Shiri Zorn- Looking For The Light; Rosemary Loar- Coraçāo Vagabundo/Vagabond Heart