I had to do a double and triple take on this one, and check the dates of the recording as well. Ruby Velle fronts a 6 piece band that sounds like something Dinah Washington or Ruth Brown might have put out in the 50s, but, sure enough, everything written and performed is right up to date, except the attitude. The front line (Eric Fontaine/bs, Taylor Kennedy/ts, Jason Collier/tp, Scott Clayton/g) supplies a thick and smoky, low ceiling sound, while the rhythm team (Spencer Garn/p, Jacob Lawson/b Spencer Garn) keep the music on the right gel, not too fast and rushed, and not too slow and dreary. Velle’s husky vocals glow like red coals on material like “My Dear” and “Coming Home to You,” while her timing is like a Swiss watch on “Mr. Wrong.” You’re going to FEEL this one, as well as hear it. Give it a few turns!
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