Telarc has released the always provocative and spirited two-time Grammy nominee (Best Vocal Jazz Album) Tierney Sutton Band’s newest CD, Desire. After listening to the first track, “It’s Only a Paper Moon” (Harburg/Arlen), the listener can’t help wondering if Tin Pan Alley has reinvented itself. With Sutton on vocals, the seamless band consists of Christian Jacob on piano, Trey Henry on bass, Kevin Axt on bass and Ray Brinker on drums. It would be hard to find more fluent jazz musicians. It’s about as close to jazz perfection as you’re going to find in this era of mixed styles in the music industry. After fifteen years together, this may be their finest release to date.

Sutton, a major force in the jazz world who started her career later than most, creates silk screen portraits filled with mystery through her introspective and serene readings. One never quite knows where the song will go. For instance, a pulsating “My Heart Be-longs to Daddy” (Porter) is almost reckless in its progressive improvisations that take it to a place Mary Martin never dreamed existed. “Then I’ll Be Tired of You” (Harburg/Schwartz) is about as smoky and mellow as a reflective ode can be. It’s all a connoisseur’s delight in moody perfection, while “Cry Me a River” exudes a sensuousness that is almost X-rated with its sexual flavor. While occasionally heavy on the reverb, this disc is worth every note.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
October 2009
www.cabaretscenes.org