OK, so there are a gazillion songbooks by vocalists for the likes of Porter, Gershwin, Mercer, Porter and Berlin, but I’ve got to tell you, I’ve never seen a singer spotlight Norman Gimbel. WHO? That was my first thought as well, until I looked at the list on this collection of 16 ditties. You’ve got “Agua de Beber,” “Meditation,” and “The Girl From Ipanema,” so Jobim must have seen something in him for the samba side of life. Then, for the more jazz-styled, just look at “Watch What Happens” or “Bluesette” and you’ll be satisfied. This guy could fit a lyric!
As for Evingson herself, she’s got an attractive, slightly sinusly attractive tone, and a great sense of rhythm to her delivery. She’s surrounded by a rotating collection of guitarists, pianists, bassists, drummers, percussionists as wel as some strings and horns. No real radical departures from the well known songs, but what do you want someone to do with “Sway,” turn it into a Gregorian Chant? This lady has a confidence in her voice that is alluring as well, and with a great song selection, it’s hard to go wrong. Good call!