Beginning to See the Light

Album Review

While jazz vocal aficionados were trumpeting in 2007 about Patti Austin's Avant Gershwin, this lesser known but still formidable and versatile New York-based singer — whose soulful timbre at times is reminiscent of Austin's gentler side — recorded a set of impeccably arranged tunes from the Great American Songbook and beyond. While this slyly swinging collection marks Jane Stuart's debut, she's been a major force in New York for years as a singer and actress; has backed famous artists like Barry Manilow; and has done hundreds of commercial jingles, at one point in a group with Austin, Valerie Simpson, and Shawn Colvin. She seduces the listener immediately with her lively, finger snap-worthy take on Duke Ellington's "I'm Beginning to See the Light," tugs the heart on the exotic and moody "Out of This World," and glides through "For All We Know" in a delightfully breezy two minutes. Perhaps the only thing she is better at than creating vibrant new interpretations is in choosing the diverse set list itself; she turns "Getting to Know You" into a joyful romance as effortlessly as she forges coolly percussive, soul-jazz territory on Stevie Wonder's "Visions" and tackles the sassy blues with "Moanin'." Beyond the brilliant horn arrangements by Stuart and co-producer Rave Tesar, the singer's debut is also notable for some powerhouse jazz playing by her support system, including Tesar on piano, "Vinnie Cutro" on trumpet, and bassists Sue Williams and Kermit Driscoll. True to its title, this album is the essence of contemporary jazz illumination.