Sherri Roberts - The Sky Could Send You (2005)

An appealing jazz singer from the San Francisco Bay area, Sherri Roberts has a nice voice, always swings, and is not afraid to stretch herself. On The Sky Could Send You she utilizes a variety of guest artists, including altoist Phil Woods on three numbers, but she is the main focus throughout. Her repertoire, which includes a rhythmically complex rendition of the Nat King Cole-associated "You're Looking at Me," two obscure Rodgers & Hart songs, Henry Mancini's "Slow Hot Wind," and Jimmy Webb's "The Moon's a Harsh Mistress," plus an original co-written with bassist Harvie S, is challenging yet she always sounds relaxed and sincere. This is a subtle release that grows in interest with repeated listenings, and is a welcome return to recording after seven years for Sherri Roberts. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel: Sherri Roberts (vocals, background vocals); Benjamin Lapidus (tres); Harvie S (bass instrument); Daria (background vocals); John Hart (guitar); Phil Woods (saxophone); Lew Soloff (trumpet); Pablo Vergara, David Udolf (piano); Tim Collins (vibraphone); Vince Cherico (drums); Daniel Sadownick, Renato Thoms (percussion); Skyler Jett (background vocals).