You're Nearer - Love Songs of the 30's and 40's

Album Review

A new name on the jazz scene at the time, Lindsey Muir made her recording debut on You're Nearer. She has a sweet voice and, although she mostly sticks closely to the melodies of the 11 vintage songs, her sincerity, phrasing, and sense of swing are winning. She is joined by a particularly strong group that includes the rhythm section of pianist Dave Berkman, bassist John Benitez, and drummer Winard Harper plus appearances from tenor saxophonist Don Braden, trumpeter Terell Stafford, and guitarist Mark Whitfield on various selections. While ten of the numbers are fairly familiar (although mostly not overplayed these days), this is the debut of "Is It Love You're After," which was composed by Lindsey's grandfather for her grandmother decades ago. Other highlights include "Something Happens to Me," "I Walk a Little Faster," "I'm Old Fashioned," and "You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me." Lindsey Muir, the daughter of the founder of the Litchfield Jazz Festival, has potential and will hopefully improvise more extensively in the future.