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.

Sly5thAve's Marvelous Akuma

Akuma (Truth Revolution Records) is the debut recording of Sly5thAve (aka Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II). The release of Akuma comes as the Nigerian born, New York- based saxophonist came off a national tour with Prince. Based in New York, Akuma represents an effort the synthesize his Nigerian roots with jazz, soul and global music for an impressive debut displaying considerable maturity in his compositions, arrangements and his playing.

The core band includes Sly5thAve (Sax); Ross Pederson (Drums); Daniel Foose (Bass); Hajime Yoshida (Electric Guitar); Keita Ogawa (Percussion); and Jay Jennings (Trumpet). Appearing on various selections include Brad Williams (Acoustic Guitar and producer of the recording); Cory Henry (of Snarky Puppy on Piano and Wurlitzer) Phil Lassiter (Trumpet); John Leadbetter (Flute), Zach Brock (Violin), Denitia Odigie (voice).

The performances of Sly5thAve’s compositions bring together a memorable melodic lines, charged rhythm sections, intriguing horn voicing, thoughtful, often energetic solos throughout and a marvelous display of dynamics throughout. The opening three part Suite For Ogbuefi includes a wonderful solo from guitarist Yoshida the builds in intensity before the leader teaks over with some forceful playing that takes the performance up a notch. With Henry’s marvelous playing on the Wurlitzer, and Foose a solid anchor one can appreciate the imaginative coloring that Pederson adds here.

The title track displays some of the leader’s African roots in its theme and the rhythmic core of it. Leadbetter’s flute is added for musical coloring while Jennings takes the initial solo with some bright, interesting playing that suggests a definite familiarity with the likes of Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard. “Bach” opens with the leader playing unaccompanied before the ensemble enters playing very lightly under Brock’s hot, soaring violin that segues into a nice trumpet. Security has a lively, danceable groove and a strong piano solo. Deme features lovely voice and showcases Yoshida’s fleet playing.

Road to Abuja is a percussive introduction to Abuja with its its mix of propulsive percussive rhythms, and unison horn passages to frame the solos by Yoshida’s single note playing; and conversational, explosive, interplay between Sly5thAve and Jennings. It is an understatement to say Akuma is an auspicious debut given the strong and memorable playing that will leave a strong impression on listeners. It is a marvelous and very contemporary recording.

I received my copy from a publicist. Here is a video trailer for this release.