Jane Scheckter’s fourth album shows the veteran cabaret/jazz singer in exceptional form. Creating smoky and mellow moods and surrounded by some of today’s most respected musicians, including the extraordinary Tedd Firth on piano, Jay Leonhart on bass and Peter Grant on drums, all make for a retro album that truly stands out. The CD also features the brilliance of veterans Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Warren Vaché (cornet), Harry Allen (tenor sax) and newbie prodigy Aaron Weinstein on jazz violin. All definite pros in their element making for an exceptional symmetry on these terrific songs.

The collection kicks off with Irving Berlin’s “The Best Thing for You” and Ray Noble’s “I Hadn’t Anyone Till You,” sung intimately accompanied only by Pizzarelli’s weeping guitar. This refreshing start sets the mood for what is to come. Horns and rhythm enter with piano as a subtle, underpinned serenity permeates this beauty that perfectly suits Scheckter’s winsome alto. A saloon singer’s delight comes to life with Nat King Cole's “I Was a Little Too Lonely” (Ray Evans/Jay Livingston) that scores. Scheckter utilizes the rarely heard verse to the Ellington/Bob Russell gem, “I Didn’t Know About You,” with singer Tony DeSare adding his expressive voice on this memorable cut. Multi-talented bassist Jay Leonhart shines as soloist on the Burton Lane/Yip Harburg ditty “Don’t Let It Get You Down” from Hold On to Your Hats on an arrangement where Scheckter shines—as does this must-be-listened-to CD. Talk about great taste in songs.

John Hoglund
Cabaret Scenes
April 2012
www.cabaretscenes.org