For some reason, Lorraine Feather is under the radar on not one, but TWO categories; as not only a singer but as a lyricist. She’s put out lots of albums, and this one is one of her strongest. Her delivery is hip, on time, clear and clever, and her lyrics, in this case about various personal “attachments” she has and has had, are always thoughtful and intriguing. As always, she teams up with the best and brightest, in this case Russell Ferrante, Shelly Berg and Dave Grusin come in for piano playing and arranging, and then you’ve got Michael Valerio/b, Grant Geissman or Eddie ARking/g, Michael Shapiro-Gregg Field/dr, Bob Mintzer/bc, Tony Morales/perc and in addition, violinist Charles Bisharat adds a mix of swing and the Nashville Skyline to a number of tunes. A Gilbert and Sullivanish “Smitten With You” has Feather sounding right out of Tin Pan alley, while a boppish “159” snaps like snow peas. Clever stories about friends (“Anna Lee”) or fellow musicians (“I Love You Guys” ) are all part of the joy here; if the music doesn’t get you, the wonderful lyrics will.
Jazzed Media