While she is based in Barcelona, Spain, vocalist Andrea Motis has an alluring lilt that sounds like homespun American Midwestern on this joyful gypsy swing collection with Scott Robinson/bs, Ignasi Terraza/p, Esteve Pi/dr, Josep Traver/g-banjo and co-leader Joan Chamorro/b. Motis’ tone is indiefolk sweet, with hints of Cyrill Aimee, with a dash of Mildred Bailey’s tiny yet swinging voice, and she uses it well as on the coy “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” and the sparkling “How Insensitive.”
The band likes taking chances with her, doing a clever samba’d take of Ellington’s “Solitude” and a pizzicatoed gipsy caravan take of “Love Me Or Leave Me.” Motis shows her bopping bonafides as she goes rapid fire with the band on”Lover Come Back to Me” and swings with a 6/8 groove a snappy read of “Besame Mucho.” Her delicacy sparkles as she sounds vulnerable with Chamorro on a shadowy “Hallelujah” and delivers a spacious “Lover Man” while sounding innocent and wide eyed on “Moon River.” This disc exudes joy and warmth. Put a smile on your face with this one.
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