Here are a pair of female vocalists that say a lot by understatement.
Amy Cervini released an impressive tribute to Blossom Dearie last year; this one takes a bit of different direction in that she mixes country and jazz sensibilities together with spartan accompaniment. Along with Jesse Lewis/g and Matt Aronoff/b, she accompanies her singing with a sax solo on Dave Frishberg’s sad-eyed “Wallflower Lonely…” while sounding back porch cozy on “Blue Moon”. Anat Cohen brings some boppy swing to a klezmerish “Je Danse Avec la Neige.” Nadje Noordhuis brings along wah wahing trumpet obligattos on a back country road reading of “I Still Miss Someone,” while Neil Young’s “After the Gold Rush” sounds earnest and earthy. Impressive once again.
Soft toned Carmen Cuesta teams up with smooth toned guitarist/husband Chuck Loeb on this dozen latin beauties. Traditional pieces such as “Quizas, Quizas, Quizas” have a sly sensuality, while gentle guitar musings dance well with Ms. Cuesta on ” Voy A Apagar La Luz” and “Dos Gardenias.” She whispers through “El Dia Que Me Quieras” while Loeb’s classical guitar and Moises P. Sanchez’s piano tip toe on “No Te Confundas.” Jobim’s “Ey Se Qye Viy Te Amar” lilts with soft percussion while a take of “Besame Mucho” has a lonely yearn to it. You’ll be drawn in by the gentility.
Anzic Records
Tweety Records