Carolyn Lee Jones Close Your Eyes

Carolyn Lee Jones
Close Your Eyes
Catn'round Sound

"Close Your Eyes" is the fourth album by the Dallas based chanteuse, Carolyn Lee Jones. She is backed by a variety of musicians, notably three associates who also contributed the arrangements here: Brad Williams on a variety of keyboards; Sergio Pamies on piano; and Dave Pierce on trombone. The program of what Ms. Jones describes as "songs … about the many faces of love."

 "Close Your Eyes," backed by the bubbly piano trio of Williams on piano, Jonathan Fisher on the upright bass and Andrew Griffith on drums, Jones enchants us with her honey-toned, sultry voice, her immaculate intonation and her swinging, delivery of the lyrics. This enchantment continues through the varied program with the soft, feathery opening on "No Moon At Night" with Fisher's steady bass, Griffith's graceful use of brushes and Williams deft, understated accompaniment and solo. Then there is a lovely rendition of Hoagy Carmichael's "The Nearness of You," where pianist Pamies leads a group that includes the flute of Daniel Pardo and guitar of Pepe Valdez to frame her enticing vocal. Pierce provided an original big, little band, arrangement of "That Old Black Magic," with a light funky groove as well as take a slightly rowdy trombone solo along with her wonderfully sung vocal.

Jones delivers a captivating rendition of the Frankie Valli hit, "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You," with a bossa nova flavored backing, Pardo's lovely flute and a nifty solo from Pamies. It is followed by the swinging "When I Found You." Initially recorded by Peggy Lee, Jones makes this joyous celebration of love her own. Among the other outstanding performances is the hauntingly beautiful performance of "I Only Have Eyes For You," backed just by Williams on piano and synthesizer and Jeff Plant on electric bass. It is an exquisite closing track of an outstanding album by a superb jazz vocalist.

I received my review copy from a publicist. This review originally appeared in the November-December Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 387). Here is a video of Carolyn Lee Jones performing.