Paulette McWilliams: A Woman’s Story

Vocalist Paulette McWilliams interprets mature themes with a mature deliver on this soulful collection of interpretations. She’s got a rich range that can dig deep as on the poppish take of Donny Hathaway’s “Chasing The Sun” and can go honey-toned husky on a romantic and sensuous “Just To Keep You Satisfied”. The supporting team of Hugo Suare/p, Trevor Ware/b, Terreon Gully/dr, David Casteaneda/perc includes a muted trumpet on the luminous “Lets’ Go Out Tonight” and sweet sounding harmonica provided by Gregoire Maret on the reflective take of Janis Ians’ agonizing “At Seventeen”. McWillams asserts herself on a modal “In The Name of Love” with some ‘Tranish work by tenor saxist Keith Fiddmont” and she gives a sage warning with Suarez and Ware in the foreground on “If You Give Them More”. A closing duet with Suarez on Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” is a lonely stroll, making you feel that this album is a catharsis of a hard-ridden life. Isn’t that the goal of most artists?

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