Susie Arioli - Embraceable (2024)

Clearly, Susie Arioli is on top form! This brand new album from the sunny Montreal singer follows in the footsteps of the other great offerings in the genre that she’s delivered since her debut (that’s a long time ago, but I’ll stop there. It would be impolite to suggest more). Embraceable is a happy mix of standards (Porter, Gershwin, Arlen are all invited to the table) and original compositions that have absolutely nothing to envy the classics of the Great American Songbook, both melodically and lyrically (Pendulum, My Plan, bluffing with stylistic perfection). There are also some lovely, well-balanced blues and some frank country incursions that betray the ever-essential presence of Jordan Officer, alongside Susie, in concocting these delights. I’d like to highlight the originality of the arrangement of On the Street where you live, which enhances this standard without distorting it.