SUMMER ME, WINTER ME

Album Review

Once a corporate singer (and provider of other corporate singers), Jan Eisen has taken on the mantle of an independent jazz singer in her own right. With this album, she shows off her vocal chops well, accentuating the clarity of her voice above all, and the ability to hold a note for extended periods of time. The songs chosen come from here and there within the realm of jazz history, touching on the American Songbook as well as some newer compositions (she has a special place in her heart for Michel Legrand's compositions, it would seem). The tone is that of a casual, upscale jazz club, with somewhat minimal accompaniment (not too many instrumental solos, though the backing band is quite a capable one). The band itself is rather accomplished, with Jamie Findlay (of the Acoustic Jazz Quartet) holding down guitar and production duties, Benjamin May on violin, Kendall Kay on drums, and Alex Acuña showing up as a guest on percussion throughout. The band tends to stay in the background however, leaving Eisen as the clear focus. Her voice is substantial, and rings out on each and every song. The sound can seem a little artificial from time to time, with the phrasing almost forced. However, that disappears quickly and the tone moves back to that of a simple song in front of a band perfectly in touch with the singer. Not a bad outing at all, and hopefully a harbinger of things to come as Eisen records more.