Teri Roiger - Still Life (2005)

It is difficult not to be impressed by Teri Roiger's Still Life. Roiger has a small voice but, like Sheila Jordan, she knows exactly what to do with it and is constantly stretching herself. Her repertoire is quite fascinating, starting off with a Herbie Nichols song, including Billy Strayhorn's lesser-known "Maybe," and featuring two songs (including "Joie de Vivre," which is heard twice) for which she wrote lyrics to Dewey Redman's music in addition to two numbers of her own. "I Just Got Back in Town" has her singing Eddie Jefferson's words to James Moody's improvisation on "I Cover the Waterfront," and she also fares well on the only standards of the set, "That Old Devil Called Love" and "Straight, No Chaser." Of the supporting cast, accordionist Gil Goldstein is a strong asset during his four appearances, pianist Frank Kimbrough leads a fine rhythm section, and bassist John Menegan shares the vocal with Roiger on his "Twilight Delight." There is not a slow moment on this well-conceived outing, which is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow