In the tradition of jazz vocalists like Susannah McCorkle and Peggy Lee, jazz stylist Stevie Holland can smolder with the best of them. On her newest entry, Before Love Has Gone, she is breezy, smoother and her phrasing more intelligent than ever. Starting with a refreshing, rhythmic “Carioca,” by Vincent Youmans with words by Gus Kahn and Edward Eliscu, the cut recalls an early Astrid Gilberto with its silky vocals and driving bossa arrangement that sizzle. The seductive album, filled with rarities, standards and originals by co-producer Gary William Friedman, is an all-encompassing musical journey of romance that recalls the golden age of American song fused with today’s innovative musings on love. Holland pulls it all off with intelligent style worthy of serious attention in the jazz world. And the lady can really sing! She’s fully committed to the words and music.

Strong contemporary highlights include the moody, yet cool title cut by Friedman and Carly Simon’s “Riverboat Gambler.” Both are sophisticated with an edge of chic optimism. Standards include sharp examples of how Holland can wrap her voice around a lyric and infuse the song with genuine emotion, as on Berlin’s languorous “How Deep Is the Ocean?” and on the Rodgers and Hart evergreen, “Where or When.” If there was any doubt, this album has an appeal that should cement Holland’s standing as a first-rate jazz stylist.
The brilliant arrangements are provided by the smooth trio with Martin Bejerano on piano, Edward Perez on bass and Willie Jones lll on drums with guests sax man Ole Mathisen and guitarist Paul Bollenbeck.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
January/February 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org