Judy Wexler - Back to the Garden

Judy Wexler - Back to the Garden -Jewel City Jazz

While vocalist Judy Wexler's prior album, "Crowded Heart," was Judy's effort to present "jazz standards for the 21st century," "Back to the Garden" has her reimagining songs from the 1960s of Love, Hope, and Change. Wexler co-produced this with Jeff Colella, who plays keyboards (and melodica on one track). Others on this recording include Larry Koonse on guitar, Gabe Davis on bass, and Steve Hass on drums. Others heard on some of this recording are Bob Thiele, Jr. on guitar, Danny Janklow on alto sax, Jay Jennings on trumpet, and Hendrik Meurkens on harmonica. There are strings present on three tracks.

Reviewing "Crowded Heart," I wrote, "Wexler has a delightful, sometimes dreamy voice that conveys joy and heartbreak with her swing, phrasing, clear diction, and sweet tone." With her excellent command of pitch and her storytelling singing these songs, "Back to the Garden" is a delightful, sophisticated jazz-pop recording. Things kick off with her revival of the Youngbloods' appeal for peace and brotherhood, "Get Together," although the moody backing has it come across more like a plea. There is plenty of charm to her relaxed reworking of The Drifters' hit (by Gerry Goffin and Carole King) "Up on the Roof." Kudos for her rendition of Paul Simon's "American Tune," with a strings section enhancing her plaintive vocal. Koonse takes a short acoustic guitar solo here. The strings also add atmosphere to the optimism expressed in her performance of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young."

Colella plays melodica (and solos) on the rendition of Dylan's protest anthem, "The Times They Are A-Changin'." It is another performance the showcases her skill in highlighting the lyrics. Cotella adds a stark arrangement for the cover of the Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth. It is one of several songs for which Erin Bentlage sang background vocals. One of her top vocals here is of Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin'." Hendrik Meurkens contributes an enchanting solo to add to the low-key, rather reflective quality of this performance. Jay Jennings trumpet adds to a nostalgic rendition of Sandy Denny's "Who Knows Where The Time Goes." 

Judy Wexler has produced a most agreeable recording with her appealing, heartfelt vocals and solid, understated backing.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Judy Wexler performing "Up On the Roof" from 2018.