Ladies at the mic…
Vocalist and composer mixes her own material with standards on this release teamed with Frank Strauss/keys, Chico Huff/b, Steve Holloway/dr, Nick Bucci/g, Bob Howell/ts, Bob Meashey/tp-fh and John Anthony/perc. Her own creations include a Nashville-mooded Every Little Light featuring Bucci, while “Spring Will Come Again” has her tapping into the Broadway feel. She gets R&Bish with Strauss on “Your Mind Is On Vacation” and upbeat with Howell on a fun read of “Feelin’ Groovy”. Her voice is clear and warm, sashaying nicely on her samba “Light Of Day” and giving a gospel feel to the title tune. Respectful reads.
Angeleno Natalie Jacob sings with a first class team of Tamir Hendelman/p, Carlitos Del Puerto/b and Clayton Cameron/dr with guests Scotty Barnhart/tp, Anthony Wilson/g and Kevin Winard/perc on this collection of standards and bossas. She handles the Brazilian material with warmth, gentle on “Wave”, tender with Wilson on “Corcovado” and gliding with Del Puerto for “No More Blues”. She’s cozy on “Exactly Like You” suave with a muted Barnhardt during the title track and shows her best on a duet with Hendelman on a lovely read of “Smile”. Girl next door charms.