Sweet Invitation
Cafe Pacific, 2022
8/10
The jazz vocalist Beverley Church Hogan brings her inimitable, smoky pipes to 9 romantic songs from the Great American Songbook, and she’s got an all star cast of players to help her flesh out the classic tunes.
“Don’cha Go Way Mad” leads the listen with warm piano, bright brass and Hogan’s expressive and smooth pipes guiding the timeless jazz spirit, and “Falling In Love With Love” follows with Bob Sheppard’s soulful sax and Lyman Medeiros’ playfully plucked bass emitting a very cozy demeanor amid Hogan’s vivid storytelling.
Halfway through, “I Got Lost In His Arms” trims the pace back with a twinkling intimacy that benefits much from John Proulx’s graceful keys and Kevin Winard’s dreamy percussion, while “Invitation” recruits a mysteriousness to the lush and vibrant textures.
“When October Goes” and “Why Try To Change Me Now” exit the listen, where the former is quite introspective and poetic, and the latter showcases the strong brass prowess alongside calm keys and Hogan’s emotive pipes.
At 86 years old, Hogan brings a wealth of experience to these interpretations, where the songs swing delicately and are full of a sensitive and heartfelt quality that we will never tire of.
Travels well with: Ada Bird Wolfe- He & Me; Mark Winkler- Late Bloomin’ Jazzman