Into My Heart
Adrielle, 2021
8/10
A vocalist, educator, actress and author, the Detroit native Jeannine Otis knows her way around a genre defying song, as the veteran artist has dabbled in pop, classical, dance and many other sounds. Here, she lands closest to jazz, where originals and cover are fleshed out with an impressive cast of musicians on hand.
“Mood Is For Lovin’” starts the listen with breathy, rich singing from Otis as Jimmy Ponzie’s guitar work and Sam Jacobs’ congas add much to the playful, warm climate, and “Touch Me Tonight” follows with Jonathan Sherry’s graceful piano complementing Otis’ expressive singing amid the sparse beauty.
Near the middle, “Sweet Sad Guitar” has Saul Rubin playing all the instruments on a calm, mesmerizing album highlight that showcases plenty of mature melodies, while “Lover Man” pairs Rubin’s spirited guitar with powerful singing from Otis on the intimate classic. “Cokika”, another strong track, then recruits Latin influences as Rubin and Otis make cultured, pretty song craft with much soul.
At the end, “In A Sentimental Mood” puts a cathartic touch on the Duke Ellington original, and “Into My Heart” exits the listen with a dreamy execution that allows Otis’ radiant pipes to shine.
Otis and company make the interpretations their own with much precise and careful instrumentation, and the originals embrace the time honored traditions of vintage jazz music in ways you won’t forget anytime soon. An artist with a wealth of talent across many avenues, Otis recorded her first song in 1980, and her passion and skill clearly haven’t waned, as evidenced by this engaging effort.
Travels well with: Amber Weekes- ‘Round Midnight Re-Imagined; Diane Moser- Birdsongs