So, how are the Danes at doing American Standards?
Judging by this duet release between vocalist Sinne Eeg and bassist Thomas Fonnesbaek, I’d say pretty good. Eeg is considered one of the big names in jazz singing in Scandinavia, and this disc should hopefully garnish some attention stateside.
They mostly stick to standards, except for Lorraine Feather’s folksy “Fellini’s Waltz.” Eeg possesses an earthy voice that is both radiant and elastic. She sounds sensuous and almost Vaughan-like in sonoric depth as Fonnesbaek picks out some bluesy notes on “Willow Weep For Me” and can get slinky and intimate on the easy glide of “Taking It Slow.” She can sound flexible and almost conversant on “Summetime” and with the bowed bass, delivers a pastoral mood on “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” Fonnesbaek’s clever use of electric bass creates a warm atmosphere as Eeg is patient and spacious on an autumnal “Body and Soul.” But how about the blues? She gets sassy on “Evil Man Blues” without overplaying her hand, and adds a bluesy hue to “Come Rain or Come Shine” that draws you in. This one’s a subtle charmer!
Stunt Records
www.sinnemusic.com