Lush Life
Socan, 2022
8/10
The exceptional vocalist Heather Ferguson brings along an all star cast for this debut album, where her inimitable storytelling ability pays tribute to some legendary songwriters, and interprets classics with much care and attention.
The title track starts the listen with Ferguson’s stunning, pretty pipes complemented by Dr. Tony Genge’s moody organ and Damian Graham’s crisp drums, and “Bewitched” follows with Barrie Sorenson’s soulful sax and Joey Smith’s precise bass helping make for a very intimate climate.
“The Look Of Love” arrives at the halfway point and places Smith on guitar and Kelby MacNayr’s warm drums populating the Bacharach tune, while “All The Things You Are” gets quite lively, and moves with smooth melodies and Genge’s playful keys in the swing delivery.
Approaching the end, “Lover Man” brings a very romantic demeanor thanks to Jan Stirling’s elegant piano and Miguelito Valdes’ well timed trumpet, and “Round Midnight” exit with keys, bass, brass and drums alongside Ferguson’s radiant pipes in the powerful and emotive finish.
All these songs have aged very well, and here they are reborn in Ferguson’s timeless formula, and the excellent players on hand certainly add even more allure that you’ll immediately be intrigued by.
Travels well with: Lauren Falls- A Little Louder Now; Deb Rasmussen- Unspoken