Janis Ian - Janis Ian II (1993)

The basics: Produced by Joe Wissert; recorded 1977 at The Hit Factory; released 1978 (Columbia). Inside scoop: Although this album died a quick death for Janis, other performers went on to record the songs on it; "Silly Habits", by Mel Torme as a duet with Janis, received a Grammy nomination for "Best Jazz duet". On this album Janis began a return to jazz, working with Ron Carter, Richard Davis, and Steve Gadd as her core rhythm section.
Review

**** A quick rebound, more focused and varied than Miracle Row, with jazzy jamming tossed aside in favor of sharply-etched songs: "That Grand Illusion" makes its acid observations so quickly and quietly you might miss them; "Do You Wanna Dance?" is layered and tricky beneath its bouncy exterior; "My Mama's House" is mournful but unsentimental; the confessional "Hotels & One-Night Stands" has that touch of self-loathing we all need once in a while, coupled with driving piano runs. Then there are the well-detailed breakup songs: "Silly Habits," "I Need To Live Alone Again." The only extended epic is "Streetlife Serenaders," and it's lightened up by an amusing salsa break. The band includes Sal diTroia, Steve Gadd, Will Lee and Richard Davis. Once again, Ian has so much to say she can't be bothered to repeat choruses, and once again, her lyrics are so good you won't mind - there's not a single throwaway. Not much experimentation, mostly just pop flavors she'd already worked with, and she's so unsparing you may find yourself more tense after listening to this than you were before. But, hey, if you want to chill out, listen to dolphins or whales or something. Produced by Joe Wissert. (DBW) --Wilson & Alroy