I’ll Take Romance
Doxie, 2024
8/10
The New York City vocalist Jane Scheckter return with a 5th CD, where Tedd Firth, Jay Leonhart and Peter Grant accompany her for 17 tunes from the Great American Songbook, plus others.
“Love, I Hear” opens the listen with Scheckter’s pretty voice alongside Leonhart’s playfully plucked bass and Firth’s lively keys, and it isn’t long until the flowing “A Beautiful Friendship” showcases Grant’s agile drumming that suits the expressive singing of the rich climate.
Deeper into the listen, the intimate and reflective “My Foolish Heart” displays the impressive range of Scheckter amid the dreamy keys, while “Here I Am In Love Again” pairs the meticulous piano with the lovely singing and brushed drums.
Landing near the end, “Looking Back” tugs on the heartstrings with much emotion that soars with a timeless beauty, and “What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life” exits with the keys again supporting Scheckter’s eloquent singing.
A smart body of work that illuminates songs often covered, but in Scheckter’s own inimitable light, both the balladry and swinging selections are immediately enjoyable.
Travels well with: Julie Kelly- Freedom Jazz Dance; Judy Whitmore- Come Fly With Me