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Opportunity is not how one normally describes a cd, but that is exactly what this one by Bay Area-based jazz vocalist Sherri Roberts is. Listeners get a chance to hear singing perfectly integrated with instrumentation and highlighted by contributions from saxophone icon Phil Woods and highly respected trumpeter, Lew Soloff. All the while, she is the rare singer who doesn’t have the need to overwhelm anyone, be dazzling or unorthodox. Roberts works from a classic mode, recreating tones and evocations of quintessential cool era singers Chet Baker and June Christy with excellent renditions of “Do It The Hard Way,” “Jamaica Farewell,” and “ You’re Looking At Me.” Yet, she and ensemble don’t sound dated, and instead are refreshing and gently stimulating. Overall, this release, that tracks well from start to finish, has the potential to be a classic and should create a buzz amongst jazz listeners. —Chris J. Walker, Entertainment Editor |
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