I assume that this collection of “mood” tunes is in reference to the notorious book Fifteen Shades of Grey, which I refuse to read. As my daughter (who is a family psychologist) says, “Why do I need to read a book about things that I’m counseling people foe who’ve been victims of this stuff?” So, this is going to judge the music in terms of romance without any S&M, thank you.
In that vein, the music is served well. You’ve got some tasty work by pianists Hank Jones and Oscar Peterson on “Because I Love You” and “Alone Together” respectively. A husky toned Carmen Lundy remorses on “This Is The End of a Love Affair” and Ranee Lee goes Blossom Dearie on “When A Woman Loves A Man.” A buttery horn section from Rob McConnell’s Tentet does wonders with “I’ll Never Stop Loving You” and Diana Krall gets sultry and swinging on “This Can’t Be Love.” Other artists such as Paul Bley and Susie Arioli join in for a cozy evening, but leave the ropes in the garage.
Justin Time Records
www.justin-time.com